Yuki Tsunoda breaks silence on Christian Horner's sacking from Red Bull as he makes his feelings clear

Red Bull Formula 1 driver Yuki Tsunoda has spoken out after the sacking of long-term team boss Christian Horner on Wednesday.

After 20 years at the helm of Red Bull, Horner will no longer be operationally involved in the team from the Belgium Grand Prix at the end of the month.

Following the news, a video surfaced of the 51-year-old addressing employees at the team's factory in Milton Keynes with an emotional farewell.

Horner won six constructor titles, eight driver titles, and 124 grand prix with the team as tributes to his work have poured in, including from reigning world champion Max Verstappen.

Verstappen's teammate Yuki Tsunoda has also broken his silence following the news, after being promoted by Horner mid-season to replace Liam Lawson.

Speaking via X, Tsunoda wrote: "Thank you Christian for all the support you’ve given me this year.

"It’s been amazing to see what you’ve built at Red Bull Racing and thank you for making me part of that. I’ve learned a lot and am grateful for everything," he added.

Tsunoda's relationship with Horner prior to the 2025 season had looked strained at times, with the Japanese driver claiming promoting Lawson over him would not make sense in 2024.

Yuki Tsunoda and Christian Horner (credit: Getty)

The Red Bull driver had been in the sister team Racing Bulls (formerly Alpha Tauri) since 2021 and many in the F1 paddock felt he was deserving of a promotion sooner.

However, Tsunoda's time at Red Bull has been far from a success to date, with Verstappen seemingly the only driver on the grid who can take the current Red Bull anywhere near the top.

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."