Christian Horner, the long-standing figurehead of the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team, has delivered a heartfelt and visibly emotional farewell address to employees at the team`s Milton Keynes base following his unexpected dismissal. After two decades at the helm, Horner`s departure marks the end of a highly successful era for the squad he helped build into a dominant force in motorsport.
A Farewell in Milton Keynes
Sources close to the team confirmed that the 51-year-old was informed of Red Bull`s decision earlier this week. Given the opportunity to speak to his former colleagues, Horner reportedly broke down in tears during his address, receiving prolonged ovations from the staff he had led since the team`s inception in 2005. The moment underscored the deep personal connection cultivated over two decades of shared effort and success.
Speaking to the gathered employees, Horner described his sacking as a “shock.” He clarified that while he would remain formally employed by the company under exit terms typically involving gardening leave until the end of the year, his operational involvement with the team was concluding immediately. “Yesterday, I was informed by Red Bull that operationally I would no longer be involved with the business or the team moving forward,” he stated. “It came as a shock to myself.”
The decision`s abruptness was further highlighted by reports from F1 commentators, who noted that Horner himself indicated no specific reason was provided for his release by Red Bull. This lack of stated cause in both Horner`s remarks and Red Bull`s official communication adds a layer of intrigue to the sudden change in leadership.
Reflecting on a Dynasty
During his emotional speech, Horner reflected on the journey from joining a nascent team 20 years ago to establishing it as a Formula 1 powerhouse. “When I arrived 20 years ago… I walked into a team and did not know what to expect but I was immediately welcomed and we started to build what became a powerhouse in F1,” he recalled. His tenure saw Red Bull achieve remarkable success, securing four consecutive drivers` and constructors` championships with Sebastian Vettel from 2010 to 2013, followed by Max Verstappen`s four consecutive drivers` titles from 2021 to 2024, alongside constructors` honours in 2022 and 2023.
Horner expressed profound gratitude for the privilege of leading the team. “Watching and being part of this team, has been the biggest privilege of my life,” he remarked. He acknowledged his efforts in fighting for the team`s vision and putting in a “big shift,” signifying the immense dedication he invested in the project.
An Eye on the Future, and a Nod to Rivals
Looking ahead, Horner touched upon the team`s future, particularly the significant Red Bull Powertrains project aimed at producing their own engines for the regulatory changes in 2026. This ambitious undertaking is something he will now observe from a distance. “What lies ahead with [Red Bull] Powertrains is truly exciting and I will just be very sad I won`t be here to see the engine performance,” he admitted.
In a separate statement shared later, Horner extended his thanks not only to the Red Bull team members but also, surprisingly, to the rival teams in Formula 1. He acknowledged the competitive landscape, stating, “Thank you to our rivals, with whom there would be no racing at all. You`ve pushed us, challenged us, and enabled us to achieve accolades we never dreamed possible.” This gesture highlighted the often-intense but fundamentally respectful nature of top-tier motorsport competition. He concluded by expressing immense pride in Red Bull`s achievements and the sport`s overall dedication to innovation and performance.
Christian Horner`s departure marks a significant transition for Red Bull Racing, closing a chapter defined by relentless pursuit of excellence and unprecedented success under his leadership. The emotional farewell underscores the human element in the high-stakes world of Formula 1, where professional careers become deeply intertwined with personal identity and shared achievements.
