Axed F1 chief Christian Horner gives 'hugely emotional' speech at Red Bull HQ

An F1 insider has revealed that axed Red Bull chief Christian Horner gave a hugely emotional speech at the team's headquarters this morning.

Red Bull confirmed on Wednesday that Horner had been relieved of his duties as CEO and team principal with immediate effect, with Racing Bulls team principal Laurent Mekies stepping up to replace him.

Horner has been at the helm of the team ever since they joined the sport in 2005, overseeing huge success in that period, winning eight drivers' championships and six constructors' titles.

Now, however, he has departed, and reporting from outside of the team's factory in Milton Keynes, F1 commentator and insider David Croft, also known as Crofty, has revealed the emotional goodbye he gave to his now former colleagues.

READ MORE: Red Bull announce Christian Horner FIRED in shock F1 departure

Christian Horner bids emotional goodbye to Red Bull

“From those that we’ve managed to speak to, it is a unified sense of disappointment and sadness at a man that they see has unified their team," Croft told Sky Sports.

"[Horner was] Never afraid to sit and have a chat, it didn’t matter what they did for the organisation.

“The speech that Christian Horner gave to the factory this morning, we understand was hugely emotional and Christian himself was very emotional and broke down on occasion.

“He received a massive ovation at the end of that speech from a workforce that are very loyal to him. He has helped bring success and bonuses and world championship glory during his time as team principal.

“He drove out [Red Bull HQ] this morning, he looked impassive, staring ahead in his car. No thumbs hip, no waves, drove out of the gates for what seems to be the final time.”

READ MORE: Max Verstappen says former Red Bull teammate 'good choice' for Cadillac F1 project

Related

Formula 1

Key Red Bull F1 legend reveals team future after Horner firing

• Today 03:00

Formula 1

Christian Horner singles out surprise driver after Red Bull firing

• Yesterday 20:00