Christian Horner’s senior Red Bull allies sacked at same time as boss in major clearout at F1 team
CHRISTIAN Horner’s Red Bull allies were sacked at the same time as the ousted team boss, SunSport can reveal.
Several senior staff at the six-time constructors’ champions were told to clear their desks as Horner was suddenly dumped after a 20-year stint at the helm of the Formula 1 giants.
The shock move was part of a clear-out by the team’s Austrian parent company, with Horner breaking down in tears during an emotional leaving speech to hundreds of his staff at their Milton Keynes HQ earlier today.
It is understood that several senior figures who were close to Red Bull’s only ever boss were also given their marching orders.
Many had been appointed to their jobs by the 51-year-old team chief, and a source called the relationships a “double-edged sword”.
Horner was replaced immediately by Frenchman Laurent Mekies, 48, who has run Red Bull’s sister team Racing Bulls since the start of 2024.
They added: “A number of staff had been brought in by Christian, and when he was told to go, they were too.
“Some of them had a very close relationship with Christian, which has proved to be a double-edged sword.
“Laurent has his own people to bring in and his own vision for the team.
“He is far more anonymous.”
Earlier, Horner gave a tearful speech and received a minutes-long standing ovation from staff.
The firebrand team principal admitted his removal was a shock, but told engineers and designers he was proud of their success.
He told them: “I was informed by Red Bull that operationally, I would no longer be involved with the business or the team moving forward.
“It came as a shock to myself.
“I’ve had a chance to reflect over the last 12 hours and wanted to stand in front of all of you to break this news and to express my gratitude to each and every single member of the team that has given so much during the last 20-and-a-half years.
“Watching and being part of this team has been the biggest privilege of my life.”
Horner will remain employed by the company, where he is thought to make £9million-a-year, but is effectively on indefinite gardening leave.
The official departure of Red Bull’s only ever team principal was announced shortly after he finished saying his goodbyes and left.
Horner was the longest-reigning F1 boss, having taken charge of the Austrian team when it was bought from Jaguar in 2005.
In May, he batted away rumours he would join Ferrari, declaring: “It’s always flattering to be associated with other teams, but my commitment is with Red Bull.”
HORNER SCANDAL TIMELINE
By Isabelle Barker, Sports Reporter
5 February, 2024 – the bombshell allegations from a female colleague about “inappropriate, controlling behaviour” drop
Red Bull chief exec Oliver Mitzlaff takes seriously and Horner strongly denies accusations.
9 February, 2024 Horner meets lawyer
A lawyer in charge of the investigation begins digging into the case on behalf of Red Bull GmbH in a nine-hour meeting at a secret location.
15 February, 2024 – Horner’s first public appearance since allegations
Horner says the team have been “tremendously supportive”. Verstappen says his relationship with Horner remains “very good”.
28 February, 2024 – Horner cleared of all charges
A statement from Red Bull GmbH read: “The independent investigation into the allegations made against Mr Horner is complete, and Red Bull can confirm that the grievance has been dismissed The complainant has a right of appeal.”
29 February, 2024 – Whatsapps leaked
Just 24 hours after he was cleared, WhatsApp texts and pictures were leaked from an anonymous source – to FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali, the sport’s nine other team principals and members of the media.
2 March, 2024 – Horner and Halliwell hand in hand
The former Spice Girls singer puts on a united front with her husband as Verstappen soared to victory in the opener in Bahrain.
Horner declared he is “absolutely confident” he will stay on as Red Bull boss for the remainder of the season, while Red Bull’s majority shareholder, Thai billionaire Chalerm Yoovidhya, also joined the duo on the team’s terrace in a public show of support for Horner.
3 March, 2024 – Jos Verstappen takes aim
Verstappen’s father, Jos, claimed the team is “in danger of being torn apart” if Christian Horner remains in his role.
Verstappen Snr, also said the team would “explode” if Horner remained in his position, and denied being the source of the leak.
8 August, 2024 – Horner cleared for second time as appeal dismissed
During the F1 summer break, the appeal from a female colleague alleging “inappropriate behaviour” from Horner is dismissed, clearing him for a second time.
The complainant was suspended on full pay before launching an appeal but, on 8 August, her appeal was thrown out following another investigation by a different independent KC – with Red Bull adding that their “internal process has concluded.”
9 July, 2025 – Horner sacked.
Horner was accused of sending suggestive WhatsApp messages that were later leaked.
The Brit vehemently denied the bombshell claims made by a female colleague about his behaviour.
In February 2024, Horner was cleared of any wrongdoing after multiple probes.
He had spent a tumultuous three weeks fighting for his career after a female colleague alleged controlling and coercive behaviour by the boss.
The probe later investigated him allegedly sending improper messages to a woman.
A KC cleared Horner for a second time in August after the unnamed accuser launched an appeal following the internal probe.
Spice Girl Geri Halliwell stood by Horner despite reportedly being left “in floods of tears” when the scandal broke and was supported by pals, including her fellow Spice Girls.
A source said at the time: “This has been weeks of hell for Christian and his family.
“As he has said all along, these claims are ‘nuts’.”