Christian Horner breaks silence and sets the record straight on his sudden Red Bull sacking with message for rivals

Former Red Bull boss Christian Horner has broken his silence and released a lengthy statement following his sudden departure today from the Formula 1 team.

Horner was sacked from the Milton Keynes-based team today after having been at the helm of the outfit since it became Red Bull in 2005 after the Austrian drinks company took over Jaguar.

In that time, Horner oversaw two eras of success in particular as Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen each won four Drivers' Championships, while the team won six Constructors' Championships.

But Red Bull's competitiveness has declined over the past 18 months in particular, with the team finishing third in last year's Constructors' Championship, though Verstappen was able to claim his fourth drivers' title.

Despite two race wins for Verstappen this season, any championship hopes appear all but over with the Dutchman third and 69 points behind current leader Oscar Piastri, while Red Bull are a distant fourth behind McLaren.

Horner has been relieved of his duties, it was confirmed today, and the man himself has now released a statement reflecting on his two decades in charge of Red Bull Racing, which he has described as an 'honour'.

And he even sent a message to the team's rivals such as McLaren, Mercedes and Ferrari as he thanked them for the competition they provided in helping to push Red Bull on to the successes they have achieved.

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.

Christian Horner. (Image: Getty)

"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."