Christian Horner admits Red Bull exit "came as a shock" in farewell speech to staff

Christian Horner says his sacking as Red Bull F1 team boss "came as a shock" in his first public comment since the news broke on Wednesday morning.

Red Bull's Austrian leadership informed Horner on Tuesday night that it had relieved him of his duties as F1 CEO and team principal, following a stint of 20 years at the helm.

Horner guided the Milton Keynes-based squad to two successful spells, yielding six constructors' titles, plus eight drivers' titles split between Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen.

But he appears to have paid the price for a disappointing slide in competitiveness over the past 18 months, while also being unable to prevent key team members like Adrian Newey from leaving, with the future of Verstappen now at a crucial crossroads too.

After being informed on Tuesday evening, Horner shared the news with his employees at the factory on Wednesday morning with a short speech, which was shared and broadcasted by Sky Sports. He also confirmed he will remain on the company's payroll for now, but it is not yet clear in which capacity.

"Yesterday I was informed by Red Bull that, operationally, I will no longer be involved with the business or the team moving forward from after this gathering," he commented.

Watch: What Horner's sacking really means for Verstappen, F1 and Red Bull?

"I will still remain employed by the company, but operationally, the baton will be handed over. And that obviously came as a shock to myself, but what I've had time to do is to reflect over the last 12 hours or so. And I wanted to stand in front of all of you to break this news and just 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 that I've been here.

"When I arrived 20 years ago, with a few less grey hairs, I walked into the team, I didn't know what to expect, but I was immediately welcomed. And out of two rundown buildings, we started to build what became a powerhouse in Formula 1. Watching and being part of this team has been the biggest privilege in my life," he added, with emotions audibly taking over, before being applauded by the factory staff.

It is understood two key hires by Horner, chief marketing director Oliver Hughes and group director of communications Paul Smith, have also left the squad.

Racing Bulls team principal Laurent Mekies will take over Horner's role as Red Bull F1 CEO and team principal with immediate effect, leaving his role at Red Bull's sister team Racing Bulls to sporting director Alan Permane.

“Over the last year and a half it has been an absolute privilege to lead Visa Cash App Racing Bulls and I would like to thank all of our talented people both in Faenza and Milton Keynes," Mekies said. "Looking to the future, I am excited to be taking on the role of CEO and team principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing, one of the most successful and dynamic teams in the sport.

"It’s an honour to be part of this group of brilliant people that embody the Red Bull spirit. Together we will achieve great results, building on the incredible legacy left by Christian Horner during his two decades in charge.”

Oliver Mintzlaff, Managing director Red Bull GmbH, Christian Horner, Team Principal, Red Bull Racing

Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool

Oliver Minztlaff, who oversees the F1 team for Red Bull's Austrian parent company, also thanked Horner for his services as founding team boss.

"We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years," said Red Bull's CEO Corporate Projects and Investments.

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