Christian Horner has spoken out for the first time since his shock departure from Red Bull, but he excluded Helmut Marko and other Red Bull chiefs in his statement.
Red Bull announced earlier today that they would be parting ways with Horner after 20 years together. The team has had a difficult 2025, with the team only sitting fourth in the constructors at the midway point of the season.
The departure comes after the two difficult races for the team. The team scored no points in Red Bull’s home race in Austria as Max Verstappen was taken out at turn three on the opening lap, and Yuki Tsunoda finished last.
Then at the team's home race at Silverstone, Verstappen fell from pole to fifth, and Tsunoda finished last once again.
Christian Horner had been with Red Bull for 20 years
PA
Then at the team's home race at Silverstone, Verstappen fell from pole to fifth, and Tsunoda finished last once again. Horner took to Instagram to release a statement, in his statement, Horner said:
“After an incredible journey of twenty years together, it is with a heavy heart that today I say goodbye to the Team I have absolutely loved. Every one of you, the amazing people at the factory, have been the heart and soul of everything that we have achieved.
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“Win and lose, every step of the way, we have stood by each other as one and I will never forget that. It’s been a privilege being part of and leading this epic Team and I am so proud of our collective accomplishments and you all.”
Horner has seen the team through eight drivers' championships, including the last four, as well as 6 constructors' championships.
He continued: “Thanks to the amazing partners and fans who enabled us to go racing. Your support has helped grow the team from its humble beginnings to an F1 powerhouse that laid claim to 6 Constructors Championships and 8 Drivers Championships.
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"Equally, thank you to our rivals, with whom there would be no racing at all. You’ve pushed us, challenged us, and enabled us to achieve accolades we never dreamed possible. The competition has made every victory sweeter and every setback an opportunity to develop and grow.”
Horner will be replaced by the team principal of Racing Bulls, Laurent Mekies, who will be taking charge from the race in Belgium next weekend.
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Horner concluded: “Formula 1 is a sport built on relentless ambition, passion, and respect. The rivalries have been fierce, but the mutual drive to innovate and raise the bar is what has made this journey so special.
“It’s been an honour to be part of this incredible era of motorsport.
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Reuters"I leave with immense pride in what we’ve achieved and also with what’s in the pipeline for 2026 — and huge respect for everyone who’s made F1 the pinnacle it is today. Thank You, Christian.”
Red Bull will now face a big change during the season, the team will not have long to react to the news as Max Verstappen needs to reignite his title charge to win a fifth consecutive world title in Belgium in over a week's time.
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