- News of Horner’s sacking broke on Wednesday morning after 20 years at helm
- Fresh footage has been obtained of the 51-year-old saying farewell to colleagues
- Driver Max Verstappen has also spoken out on the sudden departure of his boss
An emotional Christian Horner broke down into tears as he bid farewell to his Red Bull team in a heartfelt goodbye speech a matter of hours after he was sacked by the Formula One giants.
News broke that Red Bull had relieved Horner of his duties on Wednesday morning after his successful, and latterly controversial, 20-year run as their CEO and team principal.
Horner’s former Spice Girl wife Geri Halliwell stood by her husband after the explosive accusations rocked the Formula One paddock last year. Horner has vehemently denied the claims.
Screenshots of alleged WhatsApp messages between Horner and a Red Bull employee were leaked anonymously the day after a three-week investigation, carried out externally, cleared the 51-year-old of all allegations. Horner survived accusations of coercive behaviour towards his colleague – and was twice cleared in internal investigations of wrongdoing.
The sensational news ends the longest reign of Formula One team principals in the sport and comes a year after the scandal.
Now, new footage has emerged of his speech that he gave to his Red Bull colleagues after finding out about the news a matter of hours before.
An emotional Christian Horner broke down in tears as he waved goodbye to his Red Bull colleagues on Wednesday
The 51-year-old also hugged colleagues after they gave him a round of applause during speech
Horner, pictured with former Spice Girl wife Geri Halliwell, was subject to an investigation over sexting allegations last year
In footage obtained by Sky Sports, Horner said: ‘Yesterday I was informed by Red Bull that operationally I would no longer be involved with the business or the team moving forward from this gathering. I will still remain employed by the company but operationally the baton will be handed over.
‘That obviously came as a shock, obviously to myself. What I have had time to do is reflect over the last 12 hours or so and I wanted to stand in front of all of you and 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 that I’ve been here.
‘When I arrived 20 years ago, with fewer grey hairs, I walked into a team and I didn’t know what to expect but I was immediately welcomed and, in two run-down buildings, we started to build what became a powerhouse in Formula One.
‘Watching and being part of this team has been the biggest privilege in my life.’
Horner could then be seen attempting to speak again, before breaking down into tears and being applauded by the staff listening on.
In the midst of the controversy, he was told by his wife, Spice Girl Halliwell, to make it ‘all go away’ – a feat he pulled off for 16 months.
The file allegedly containing texts and images was leaked to almost 200 people involved in the sport, including owners Liberty Media, team principals and the media.
Horner was then exonerated for a second time after the female employee appealed against the findings of the investigation, which were upheld.
Halliwell told Horner to make it ‘all go away’ – a feat he pulled off for 16 months before sacking
His No 1 driver Max Verstappen, who he worked with for 10 years, spoke out on social media
An independent lawyer interviewed Horner for almost nine hours, it is understood.
Current world champion Max Verstappen, meanwhile, broke his silence on his boss’ dismissal on social media.
The duo worked together at Red Bull for 10 seasons, scooping up two constructors’ titles together. Verstappen is also a four-time world champion.
Verstappen wrote on X: ‘From my first race win, to four world championships, we have shared incredible successes.
‘Winning memorable races and breaking countless records. Thank you for everything, Christian!’
