Horner breaks silence after bombshell Red Bull sacking

Christian Horner has broken his silence after being unceremoniously sacked by Red Bull.

The mid-season bombshell was dropped late on Wednesday night with Horner saying it was “with an incredibly heavy heart that he said goodbye to the team”.

The 51-year-old, who has been at the helm of the team since its inception in 2005, leaves with immediate effect and will be replaced by Laurent Mekies.

During his two decade tenure, Horner oversaw the team winning eight world title and six constructors titles

News of Horner’s departure follows a consistent decline in performance this season and 17 months after he was embroiled in an internal sexual misconduct scandal, accused of sexual harassment and coercive, controlling behaviour by a female employee.

“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,” Horner wrote on Instagram.

“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.”

On Wednesday, Red Bull confirmed the news via a statement on their official channels.

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

“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.”

Rumours of Horner’s position being under threat had reached fever pitch in recent weeks with numerous reports Max Verstappen was poised to defect to Mercedes if there was not a change in team leadership and performance.

Red Bull have won just two races this season with McLaren leapfrogging them to lead across the drivers' and constructors' championships.

After 20 years with the F1 outfit which includes winning eight world titles and six constructors titles, the team has confirmed that Horner will be replaced by Laurent Mekies.