Red Bull chief was given a day to say goodbye

CHRISTIAN HORNER was left in tears in his farewell speech to Red Bull employees after being sacked.

Horner’s firing came a year after the “sext scandal” that engulfed him over messages he apparently sent to a female employee.

5

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

5

Horner addressed his former staff inside Red Bull HQ in Milton KeynesCredit: PA

5

Horner’s firing came a year after his ‘sext scandal’Credit: Getty
He was informed of his dismissal on Tuesday but was given the opportunity to address his employees at Red Bull’s UK base in Milton Keynes a day later.

Sky Sports News obtained footage of the farewell speech and reported that he “broke down in tears and received lengthy ovations from his former colleagues”.

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

“I will still remain employed by the company, but, operationally the baton will be handed over.

“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 that I’ve been here.

“When I arrived 20 years ago, with a few less grey hairs, 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.

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

With his voice cracking, Horner took a moment to compose himself and appearing to apologise before being met with a round of applause.

Horner was the longest reigning F1 boss after becoming head honcho of the Austrian team during its inception in 2005.

The 51-year-old – who is married to Spice Girl Geri Halliwell – led Red Bull in two phases to world championship success.

The first was through Sebastian Vettel’s glory days from 2009-14 and then Verstappen’s current era – which could end sooner rather than later.

In total, Red Bull with Horner won EIGHT drivers’ championships and six constructors’ titles.

Laurent Mekies has been appointed as the new CEO of Red Bull Racing, stepping up from the Racing Bulls team.

Horner later posted an emotional farewell on Instagram.

He wrote: “After an incredible journey of twenty years together, it is with a heavy heart that today I say goodbye to the Team I have absolutely loved.

“Every one of you, the amazing people at the factory, have been the heart and soul of everything that we have achieved.

“Win and lose, every step of the way, we have stood by each other as one and I will never forget that.

“It’s been a privilege being part of and leading this epic Team and I am so proud of our collective accomplishments and you all.

“Thanks to the amazing partners and fans who enabled us to go racing.

“Your support has helped grow the team from its humble beginnings to an F1 powerhouse that laid claim to 6 Constructors Championships and 8 Drivers Championships.

“Equally, 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.

“The competition has made every victory sweeter and every setback an opportunity to develop and grow.

“Formula 1 is a sport built on relentless ambition, passion, and respect.

“The rivalries have been fierce, but the mutual drive to innovate and raise the bar is what has made this journey so special.

“It’s been an honour to be part of this incredible era of motorsport.

“I leave with immense pride in what we’ve achieved and also with what’s in the pipeline for 2026 — and huge respect for everyone who’s made F1 the pinnacle it is today. Thank You.”

Red Bull managing director Oliver Mintzlaff said: “We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years.

“With his tireless commitment, experience, expertise and innovative thinking, he has been instrumental in establishing Red Bull Racing as one of the most successful and attractive teams in Formula 1.

“Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history.”

F1 champion Max Verstappen posted on Instagram: “From my first race win, to four world championships, we have shared incredible successes.

“Winning memorable races and breaking countless records. Thank you for everything, Christian!”

Horner survived accusations of coercive behaviour towards a colleague – and was twice cleared in internal investigations of wrongdoing.

Allegations of inappropriate behaviour made against him in February 2024 by a female team member were dismissed following an appeal last summer.

Horner was accused of sending suggestive WhatsApp messages, in texts that were leaked. He denied the accusations throughout.

The woman apparently grew tired of her boss’s pleas for pictures and sexy chat, according to the WhatsApp dossier.

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

His £12million-a-year job was secured by support from the Thai majority owners of Red Bull – but that seems to have worn out.

Horner’s wife Geri was reportedly devastated by the scandal, but stood by her husband in showing signs of solidarity at key races.

Ginger Spice walked hand-in-hand with her hubby in Bahrain last year, as the couple shared a kiss in the Red Bull hospitality unit after Verstappen’s win.

In his recent interview, Horner – whose long-running feud with Verstappen’s dad Jos continued at the weekend – continued to praise his singer wife and explained how she helped him overcome the scandal.

He added: “She saw through a lot of things from having an outside perspective and it is good to have that weight and measure. It is hugely important.”

The couple, who have been married since 2015, have a child together and two children from previous relationships.

5

Max Verstappen posted an emotional message to Horner in the wake of the Red Bull chief’s sackingCredit: PA

5

Horner and his wife Geri, who was devastated by his scandalCredit: PA