'Biggest Privilege Of My Life': Christian Horner Expresses Gratitude To Red Bull In Touching Adieu | Watch

Last Updated:July 10, 2025, 10:20 IST

Horner oversaw two stints of Red Bull domination, the first one during Sebastian Vettel's heyday, and more recently, Max Verstappen's stranglehold of the event.

FILE - Red Bull team principal Christian Horner talks on the phone before the first free practice at the Red Bull Ring racetrack, ahead of the Austrian Formula One Grand Prix in Spielberg, Austria, June 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos, File)

Christian Horner, who was sacked from his position as the Team Principal of Red Bull Racing, orated a moving tribute to his staff ahead of his departure from the role as team boss.

Horner, who helped Red Bull Racing clinch 8 individual titles and 6 constructors’ championships in a spell that spanned two decades, was sacked by the Austrian side on Wednesday.

“Yesterday, I was informed by Red Bull that operationally I would no longer be involved with the business or the team moving forward," the Brit began in his address to the staff and crew.

“I will still remain employed by the company, but, operationally the baton will be handed over," he explained.

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Horner, who is set to be on gardening leave as part of his exit terms from the side up until the end of the year, revealed that the decision came as a surprise to him as well.

“It came as a shock to myself. I’ve had a chance to reflect over the last 12 hours and wanted to stand in front of all of you to break this news and to express my gratitude to each and every single member of the team that has given so much during the last 20-and-a-half years," the 51-year-old revealed.

Horner oversaw two stints of Red Bull domination, the first one during Sebastian Vettel’s heyday and most recently Max Verstappen’s stranglehold of the event, and has witnessed over a century of race wins, and pole positions, while managing to clinch a place on the podium an incredible 287 times.

“When I arrived 20 years ago, there were a few less grey hairs. I walked into a team and did not know what to expect but I was immediately welcomed and we started to build what became a powerhouse in F1," he reminisced.

“Watching and being part of this team, has been the biggest privilege of my life," Horner added.

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Frenchman Laurent Mekies, who was the head of Racing Bulls, is expected to serve as the CEO of Red Bull Racing following Horner’s dismissal.

“A new CEO will be announced shortly. I trust him and give him my full support. My instruction to him is to look after all of you," he added.

“I have fought hard, I’ve done my best, I’ve put in a big shift and it now comes to a close," Horner signed off.

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News sports 'Biggest Privilege Of My Life': Christian Horner Expresses Gratitude To Red Bull In Touching Adieu | Watch