Christian Horner has revealed Red Bull‘s choice to remove him as the group’s team boss in Formula 1 “came as a shock” in a parting speech to his now ex-colleagues.
Horner’s remarkable two-decade stint leading Red Bull has come to an end with the surprise news that the Austrian outfit’s senior bosses have chosen to replace him.
During his extensive spell at the helm, Horner guided Red Bull to six Constructors’ Championships and eight Drivers’ titles, along with 124 race wins and 287 podiums.
However, Red Bull’s regression in competitiveness since mid-2024, coupled with turmoil behind the scenes, has inspired the organisation to make a change at the top.
Having been informed of the decision on Tuesday night, Horner was given the chance to address the collective group at Red Bull’s Milton Keynes base on Wednesday.
In a video shared by Sky Sports, Horner was emotional as he detailed that he will continue to be associated with Red Bull in an unknown role outside the F1 operation.
“Yesterday I was informed by Red Bull that, operationally, I will no longer be involved with the business or the team moving forward from after this gathering,” he said. “I will still remain employed by the company, but operationally, the baton will be handed over. That obviously came as a shock to myself, but what I’ve had time to do is to reflect over the last 12 hours or so.
“And I wanted to stand in front of all of you to break this news and just 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 the team, I didn’t know what to expect, but I was immediately welcomed.
“And out of two rundown buildings, we started to build what became a powerhouse in Formula 1. Watching and being part of this team has been the biggest privilege in my life.”
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