Christian Horner releases statement after being sacked by Red Bull after 20 years

Christian Horner has released a lengthy statement after he was sacked by Red Bull after a 20-year tenure.

The motorsports world was stunned earlier today (9 July) after it was announced that the former racing driver had been 'released from his operational duties'.

Laurent Mekies has now taken the reins as CEO of Red Bull Racing, Red Bull GmbH said in a statement, which is a position that Horner has held since 2005.

Max Verstappen broke his silence on the departure of Red Bull's former team principle, 51, with a short social media statement, thanking Horner for 'everything' and fondly remembering their 'incredible successes'.

And now, Horner has shared his thoughts on leaving Red Bull in a statement shared to Instagram, where he reflected on the 'amazing' journey he has been on for the last two decades.

He wrote: "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.

"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.

"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.

"Equally, thank you to our rivals, with whom there would be no racing at all."

Horner went on to praise Formula 1 fans for giving his team the drive to reach new heights.

"You’ve pushed us, challenged us, and enabled us to achieve accolades we never dreamed possible," he wrote. "The competition has made every victory sweeter and every setback an opportunity to develop and grow.

"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. 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."

Horner's dismissal comes 17 months after he was accused by a female colleague of 'inappropriate behaviour'.

Horner - who vehemently denied the allegations made against him - was twice cleared of the claims by the Formula One team’s parent company, Red Bull GmBH.

An appeal against the initial investigation of Horner was thrown out last August as Red Bull added that 'its internal process has concluded'.

Within 24 hours of the grievance initially being dismissed in the February, hundreds of WhatsApp messages and a number of images allegedly exchanged between Horner and the woman who complained were leaked.

While he was cleared, he lost a number of key figures at Red Bull.

Horner has been married to former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell since May 2015.