Martin Brundle has revealed he feels 'quite sad' after Red Bull's decision to sack Christian Horner - while also revealing the F1 chief has been given 'no reason' for his sacking.
Horner was relieved of his duties on Wednesday, just 17 months on from a sexting scandal, where he was accused of sending inappropriate text messages to a female employee.
The 51-year-old always denied any wrongdoing and was twice cleared by the F1 side.
Now, though, Horner has been cut loose with Red Bull saying in a statement: Red Bull has released Christian Horner from his operational duties with effect from today (Wednesday 9 July 2025) and has appointed Laurent Mekies as CEO of Red Bull Racing.
Martin Brundle has revealed he feels 'quite sad' after Red Bull's decision to sack Christian Horner - while also revealing the F1 chief has been given 'no reason' for his sacking
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"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."
Brundle has now reacted to the bombshell news.
JUST IN: Christian Horner sacked by Red Bull as F1 side announce replacement and release statement
And the Sky Sports pundit has admitted that the situation has left him feeling 'quite sad' as Horner's chapter at Red Bull closes.
“[It's] completely out of the blue, given things going on and problems in the team," he said.
"I’m quite sad about it if I’m honest, I consider Christian a friend.
“He took it from what was the Stewart team through Jaguar to a lot of success and a huge trophy cabinet.
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Martin Brundle is set to speak with former Red Bull chief Christian Horner later today
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"But it’s not been difficult to feel in the F1 paddock and to observe and hear that things were not particularly rosy.”
There have long been rumours of a power struggle at Red Bull behind the scenes.
Brundle, when quizzed on that possibility, responded by saying: “I think that’s part of it, I believe it’s probably performance related as well.
"I think it perhaps make it more likely that the Verstappens will stay there, that became quite personal.
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“There are a number of aspects. But the car is struggling, but they’ve won races brilliantly this year.
“I’m due to speak to Christian later in the day, I said can I have a chat? And he wasn’t able to do that.
"No reason was given to him as to why he’s been released. That’s the only hard info on that.”
Meanwhile, Max Verstappen has been strongly linked with a move away from Red Bull. Brundle isn't sure what will happen with the 27-year-old, who is rumoured to be of interest to both Mercedes and Aston Martin.
Christian Horner oversaw great success at Red Bull during his time in charge
GETTY“It remains to be seen. Every point that Max has through his own genius driving is in a Red Bull car," he said.
"They’re debuting their own engine for the first time next year, which is going to be the biggest change in Formula 1 history.
“Questions for their seat and driving, that aspect of the team... We know that Max has an exit clause based on where he is in the world championship at the end of this month.
“I can only surmise it means it’s more likely he stays at this moment.”
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