Cars

Christian Horner tears up in emotional farewell speech at Red Bull HQ after shock sacking

Published on Jul 10, 2025 at 6:04 PM (UTC+4)
by Keelin McNamara

Last updated on Jul 10, 2025 at 8:38 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by Kate Bain

The sacking of Christian Horner has shocked the Formula 1 world.

Red Bull Racing made the bombshell announcement yesterday that Horner had been relieved of his Team Principal duties.

Of course, the news spread like wildfire, with rumours and stories emerging left and right.

Now, a video has been released of Christian Horner tearing up in an emotional farewell.

DISCOVER SBX CARS: The global premium car auction platform powered by Supercar Blondie

What Horner said in his emotional speech

Christian Horner is one of the most well-known figures in the Formula 1 paddock.

The Englishman has been at the helm of Red Bull Racing since its inception all the way back in 2005.

And those 20 years of service came to a shattering halt yesterday.

Naturally, the news that such a long-serving Team Principal was being sacked shocked the world.

Fans across the world waited with baited breath to get the scoop on what had happened.

And now, footage has been released of Christian Horner addressing the issue directly.

In a video published online, Christian Horner can be seen at Red Bull HQ in Milton Keynes addressing a 1,500 strong workforce.

The video shows a visibly emotional Christian Horner addressing his departure after two decades.

“The decision came as a shock to myself. I have had the chance to reflect over the last 12 hours…I wanted [to] express my gratitude to each and every single member of the team that has given so much during the 20-and-a-half years that I have been here,” he said.

“When I arrived 20 years ago, with a few less grey hairs, I walked into a team and I didn’t know what to expect but I was immediately welcomed.

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

Christian Horner’s career success

Christian Horner has overseen some truly incredible success during his time as Team Principal of Red Bull Racing.

The team has won six Constructors’ titles, as well as eight Drivers’ Championships over the course of 20 years.

Sebastian Vettel would deliver four consecutive Drivers’ titles, from 2010 to 2013.

Dutchman Max Verstappen has repeated the four-peat, doing so from 2021 to 2024.

Christian Horner and his work at Red Bull Racing saw Sebastian Vettel paying homage to his RB9 car after winning the World Championship.
Red Bull

The last 18 months, however, have seen Red Bull Racing struggle.

Internal controversies have swamped the team, as have external struggles to its rivals.

McLaren Racing, in particular, has absolutely eaten into Red Bull’s dominance of the sport.

Last year saw McLaren racing – with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri – snatch the Constructors’ Championship.

With star driver Max Verstappen a distant third in the standings, things appear to have come to a head.

The keys to the Red Bull Racing kingdom have now been handed over to Laurent Mekies.

It marks the end of an enormously successful period of history for Red Bull Racing.

user

Keelin McNamara is a content writer at Supercar Blondie from Ireland, covering cars, technology, and lifestyle. Despite being a Law graduate, he discovered his passion for journalism during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has worked in the industry ever since. Outside of work, he is an avid MotoGP fan, and is a self-confessed addict of the sport.