Jeremy Clarkson issues four-word response to Red Bull sacking Christian Horner and it sums the entire saga up

Jeremy Clarkson has had his say on Red Bull's sudden decision to sack team principal and CEO Christian Horner.

The news broke that the Milton Keynes based F1 squad has made the decision to relieve Horner of his responsibilities with immediate effect after 20 years at the helm of the team.

In that time, Red Bull won eight Drivers' Championships and six Constructors' Championships during two eras of domination, first with Sebastian Vettel and latterly Max Verstappen.

But over the past 18 months, Red Bull's competitiveness has dropped sharply and though Verstappen did win his fourth title last season, the team slipped to third in the Constructors' standings behind McLaren and Ferrari.

This year, however, Red Bull are a distant fourth in the team standings behind leaders McLaren and while Verstappen sits third in the drivers' table, he is 69 points behind current leader Oscar Piastri and is unlikely to add a fifth Drivers' Championship to his tally in 2025.

It was confirmed today that Horner had been sacked and he has been replaced at Red Bull by Laurent Mekies, who has been promoted from the organisation's second team, Racing Bulls.

Red Bull managing director Oliver Mintzlaff 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.

Christian Horner and Jeremy Clarkson. (Image: Getty)

"Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history."

Verstappen - who has had Horner as a team boss every one of his races at Red Bull since his promotion from Toro Rosso back in early 2016 - paid tribute to the departing executive on social media.

Along with a picture of the pair hugging, the Dutchman said: "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!"

Former Top Gear and The Grand Tour Host Clarkson is a big F1 fan and supports his local team Alpine, even delivering beer to them when they have achieved podiums in the past.

And Clarkson took to social media platform X to make his feelings clear on Horner's sudden departure, declaring it 'surprising'.

Responding to a user's question asking him for his opinion on the matter, Clarkson wrote: "It is extremely surprising."

Clarkson was present at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone over the weekend, and was photographed speaking to Horner on the gird.