Christian Horner breaks silence with true feelings on Red Bull axe: 'I'll never forget'

Christian Horner has posted an emotionally charged message on social media after being sacked by Red Bull. The former team principal, whose 20-year tenure with the teamcame to an abrupt end on Wednesday, took to Instagram with a touching tribute to his Milton Keynes-based crew.

The move has stunned Formula 1, with Max Verstappen also breaking his silence on Horner's dismissal. In the post, Horner said: "After an incredible journey of 20 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.

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"Your support has helped grow the team from its humble beginnings to an F1 powerhouse that laid claim to six Constructors Championships and eight Drivers' Championships.

"Equally, thank you to our rivals, with whom there would be no racing at all. You've pushed us, challenged us, and enabled us to achieve accolades we never dreamed possible. The competition has made every victory sweeter and every setback an opportunity to develop and grow."

He continued: "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. Thank You. Christian."

The post was accompanied by a photo of himself lifting a trophy at a grand prix. Horner concluded his message by tallying the team's accomplishments under his leadership during his tenure, writing: "6 x Constructors, 8 x Drivers, 124 x (Grand Prix) Victories, 12 x Sprint Wins, 287 x Podiums, 107 x Pole positions, 100 x Fastest Laps."

A spokesperson for parent company Red Bull GmbH told Mirror Sport on Wednesday: "Red Bull has released Christian Horner from his operational duties with effect from today."

The company also confirmed: "Laurent Mekies has been promoted from Racing Bulls to replace him as CEO." The Frenchman was team principal at Red Bull's sister team, having joined from Ferrari.

Oliver Mintzlaff, chief of Red Bull's sporting projects, said: "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."

His replacement Mekies said: "The last year and a half has been an absolute privilege to lead the team with Peter [Bayer, Racing Bulls CEO]. It has been an amazing adventure to contribute to the birth of Racing Bulls together with all our talented people.

"The spirit of the whole team is incredible, and I strongly believe that this is just the beginning. Alan is the perfect man to take over now and continue our path. He knows the team inside out and has always been an important pillar of our early successes."