Following the dismissal of team manager Christian Horner on Wednesday, Red Bull stunned the world. The 51-year-old had been in charge of the racing juggernaut for 20 years. At the team's UK headquarters in Milton Keynes, top management gave Horner the opportunity to speak to his former staff before he was fired.

Sky Sports reports that Horner addressed Red Bull staff while crying and received standing ovations. Horner will continue to work for the business through the end of the year as part of the conditions of his departure. But he will continue on gardening leave until the conclusion of 2025.

Laurent Mekies will take Horner's place. The latter is moving up from Racing Bulls, the sister team that it manages. From 2010 to 2013, when Horner was in charge, Sebastian Vettel and the squad captured four straight drivers' and constructors' titles.

Additionally, Max Verstappen has taken home the previous four drivers' titles, spanning from 2021 to 2024. Red Bull also won the constructors' championship in 2022 and 2023.

"Red Bull told me yesterday that I will no longer be operationally involved with the team or the company going ahead. As Sky Sports reported, Horner stated in his speech that he will continue to work for the firm, but that the baton will be handed over operationally.

"I was taken aback by it. Over the past 12 hours, I've had time to consider things, and I wanted to address you all in order to share this news and to thank every member of the team who has contributed so much over the past 20 and a half years," he continued.

What led to Horner's exit?

Red Bull had a year to forget in 2025. Verstappen is presently in third place in the drivers' standings, 69 points behind Piastri, who is in first place.

In contrast, Red Bull is fourth in the constructors' rankings, 288 points behind McLaren, the current leader. This year, Red Bull has only managed two victories.

A Red Bull female employee had accused Horner of sexual harassment the previous year. The Red Bull GmbH, however, twice exonerated him.

"There were a few less gray hairs when I first came 20 years ago. I joined a team not knowing what to anticipate, but I was warmly received right away, and we began to create what would eventually become a force in Formula One, Horner remarked in his statement.

"I have fought hard, I have done my best, I have made a big shift, and now it comes to a close," he said.

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