Many had been appointed to their jobs by the 51-year-old team chief

CHRISTIAN Horner’s Red Bull allies were sacked at the same time as the ousted team boss, SunSport can reveal.

Several senior staff at the six-time constructors’ champions were told to clear their desks as Horner was suddenly dumped after a 20-year stint at the helm of the Formula 1 giants.

7

Christian Horner was sacked today from his role as Red Bull Racing PrincipalCredit: Reuters

7

Christian Horner, Team Principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing standing with his team

7

Christian Horner was given the chance to say goodbye to employees after being sackedCredit: Sky Sports/Red Bull

7

Horner addressed his former staff inside Red Bull HQ in Milton KeynesCredit: PA
The shock move was part of a clear-out by the team’s Austrian parent company, with Horner breaking down in tears during an emotional leaving speech to hundreds of his staff at their Milton Keynes HQ earlier today.

It is understood that several senior figures who were close to Red Bull’s only ever boss were also given their marching orders.

Many had been appointed to their jobs by the 51-year-old team chief, and a source called the relationships a “double-edged sword”.

Horner was replaced immediately by Frenchman Laurent Mekies, 48, who has run Red Bull’s sister team Racing Bulls since the start of 2024.

They added: “A number of staff had been brought in by Christian, and when he was told to go, they were too.

“Some of them had a very close relationship with Christian, which has proved to be a double-edged sword.

“Laurent has his own people to bring in and his own vision for the team.

“He is far more anonymous.”

Earlier, Horner gave a tearful speech and received a minutes-long standing ovation from staff.

The firebrand team principal admitted his removal was a shock, but told engineers and designers he was proud of their success.

He told them: “I was informed by Red Bull that operationally, I would no longer be involved with the business or the team moving forward.

“It came as a shock to myself.

“I’ve had a chance to reflect over the last 12 hours and wanted to stand in front of all of you to break this news and to express my gratitude to each and every single member of the team that has given so much during the last 20-and-a-half years.

“Watching and being part of this team has been the biggest privilege of my life.”

Horner will remain employed by the company, where he is thought to make £9million-a-year, but is effectively on indefinite gardening leave.

The official departure of Red Bull’s only ever team principal was announced shortly after he finished saying his goodbyes and left.

Horner was the longest-reigning F1 boss, having taken charge of the Austrian team when it was bought from Jaguar in 2005.

In May, he batted away rumours he would join Ferrari, declaring: “It’s always flattering to be associated with other teams, but my commitment is with Red Bull.”

Horner was accused of sending suggestive WhatsApp messages that were later leaked.

The Brit vehemently denied the bombshell claims made by a female colleague about his behaviour.

In February 2024, Horner was cleared of any wrongdoing after multiple probes.

He had spent a tumultuous three weeks fighting for his career after a female colleague alleged controlling and coercive behaviour by the boss.

The probe later investigated him allegedly sending improper messages to a woman.

A KC cleared Horner for a second time in August after the unnamed accuser launched an appeal following the internal probe.

Spice Girl Geri Halliwell stood by Horner despite reportedly being left “in floods of tears” when the scandal broke and was supported by pals, including her fellow Spice Girls.

A source said at the time: “This has been weeks of hell for Christian and his family.

“As he has said all along, these claims are ‘nuts’.”

7

Horner’s firing came a year after his ‘sext scandal’Credit: Getty

7

F1 World Champion Sebastien Vettel and Horner celebrate winning in 2010Credit: AFP

7

Horner and Geri cuddle at a raceCredit: PA