Christian Horner has officially bid farewell to Red Bull Racing after more than twenty years at the helm of the team. The long-serving Team Principal, one of the most recognizable figures in the modern era of Formula 1, stepped down from his operational duties following an internal meeting at the team’s Milton Keynes headquarters. Despite recent speculation, Christian Horner has not been fired but will be transitioning to a non-operational role within the company.
Farewell speech to Red Bull Racing staff at Milton Keynes
On the morning of Wednesday, July 9, 2025, Christian Horner addressed Red Bull employees directly during an internal meeting held at the team’s headquarters in Milton Keynes. During the gathering, he revealed that he had been officially informed by Red Bull’s upper management that he would no longer be involved in the day-to-day operations of the Formula 1 team.
“Yesterday I was informed by Red Bull that, from an operational standpoint, I will no longer be involved with the team after this meeting,” Horner told the staff, marking the end of an era for the Milton Keynes-based squad.
While stepping away from his executive duties, Horner clarified that he would still remain part of the company in a different, non-operational capacity.
“I will remain an employee of the company, but operationally I will be passing the baton. Of course, it came as a shock to me. Over the past 12 hours, I’ve had time to reflect. I wanted to speak to you in person and thank each and every one of you.”
He went on to express his deep gratitude for the journey they had shared:
“You have all been fundamental to what we have built over the past twenty and a half years. When I arrived, two decades ago, with a few less gray hairs, I was welcomed immediately. Back then, we had just two run-down buildings. From that starting point, we built what became a Formula 1 powerhouse. It has been the greatest privilege of my life.”
Christian Horner’s farewell message on Instagram
Following his emotional speech to the team, Christian Horner also posted a heartfelt public message on his official Instagram profile to thank Red Bull Racing fans, staff, and rivals.
“After an incredible journey lasting two decades, today I say goodbye with a heavy heart to the team I have loved,” wrote Horner. “All of you at the factory have been the soul of everything we’ve achieved. In victory and in defeat, we have stood together.”
“It has been a privilege to be part of and to lead this extraordinary team. I am so proud of what we have accomplished together. Thank you to our partners and fans who made it possible for us to go racing. Your support turned us into a Formula 1 powerhouse.”
He continued with a nod of respect to his competitors:
“Thanks also to our rivals. Without them, there would be no racing. They pushed us beyond our limits. Formula 1 is built on ambition, passion, and respect. Rivalries made us better.”
“It’s been an honor to be part of this era. I leave with pride and confidence in what lies ahead in 2026. Thank you. — Christian.”
The end of an era
Christian Horner’s departure from Red Bull’s day-to-day management marks the conclusion of a historic chapter for the team. Appointed as Red Bull Racing’s first Team Principal in 2005, he guided the team through some of the most successful periods in modern Formula 1 history, winning multiple Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships with Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen.
While Horner’s presence will remain within the Red Bull organization, his absence from the pit wall signals a major leadership change for the team. His legacy, however, is one of transformation—of taking a fledgling team and turning it into one of the sport’s dominant forces.
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