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

Christian Horner

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

The Red Bull team principal has said goodbye once and for all

Originally written by Matthew Hobkinson. This version is a translation.

Wednesday 9 July 2025 20:00

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.

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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.

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.

“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.”

NASCAR Red Bull Christian Horner Laurent Mekies David Croft