CHRISTIAN HORNER was reportedly left in tears in his farewell speech to Red Bull employees after being sacked.
Horner’s firing followed a year after the “sext scandal” that engulfed him over texts he apparently sent to a female employee.
Christian Horner was reportedly left in tears in his farewell speech to Red Bull employees[/caption]
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 reportedly 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.
“When I arrived 20 years ago, there were 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.”
Horner was the longest reigning F1 boss after becoming head honcho of the Austrian team during its inception in 2005.
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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.
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 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.
Max Verstappen posted an emotional message to Horner in the wake of the Red Bull chief’s sacking[/caption]
Horner and his wife Geri, who was devastated by his scandal[/caption]
