An F1 journalist has revealed the 'startling comment' Christian Horner made to him a week before his shock sacking at Red Bull.
The 51-year-old was relieved of his duties at Red Bull on Wednesday, having been in charge since they joined the grid in 2005, leading them to six drivers and eight constructors' titles.
Horner will be replaced by Racing Bulls team principal Laurent Mekies will take over the duties for this month's Belgium Grand Prix.
Following confirmation of Horner's departure, Red Bull managing director Oliver Mintzlaff said: "We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years.
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"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."
Following the news, countless insiders have provided new details with the real reason for the sacking emerging following a leaked clip of Horner saying his goodbyes to Red Bull staff.
And now F1 journalist Jonathan McEvoy has revealed the 'startling comment' made by Horner just days before his exit at Red Bull.
He wrote in the Daily Mail: "I saw Horner in Austria a week before the British Grand Prix. He did not look happy, though a personal matter, a private tragedy, may have been the reason."
McEvoy revealed that Horner asked him if he was here to see the pair's mutual friend Bernie Ecclestone.
"Yes,' I told him, 'but he’s busy with your bosses right now," McEvoy told Horner.
Horner replied: "I know,’ he said. ‘I have been with them, too."
McEvoy went on to explain that Horner did 'not look happy' and his 'demeanour seemed to betray concern' with not much smiling involved in the interaction.
However, McEvoy stressed that there is still no official confirmation of the circumstances behind his departure, but theorised that the die could have been cast there and then with such senior Red Bull figures in talks.
Christian Horner's leaving statement
Horner has also broken his silence following the shock news of his departure.
Taking to Instagram, 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. 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.
"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."
Topics: Formula 1, Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing, Motorsport
Tom Jenkins