Christian Horner's final actions at Red Bull factory speak volumes

There was no farewell wave from Christian Horner on Wednesday morning as he drove away from the Red Bull F1 headquarters. Shortly after his departure was confirmed, the 51-year-old visited the team factory to address colleagues.

Horner joined the team in 2005 and has since helped turn Red Bull into an elite force in the sport. His 20-year tenure resulted in eight drivers' titles and six constructors' crowns. However, he's now been dismissed after a poor start to the 2025 campaign that has seen the team struggle to keep pace with McLaren.

Sky F1 presenter David Croft described the scenes that spoke volumes as Horner left Milton Keynes, saying: "He drove out this morning at 11.25am. He looked fairly impassive, just staring ahead in his car. There were no thumbs up, there were no waves."

Croft also revealed that the 51-year-old struggled to speak as he spoke to staff members, adding: "The speech Christian Horner gave this morning to the factory was hugely emotional, we understand. And Christian himself was very emotional and broke down on occasions.

"He received a massive ovation at the end of that speech from a workforce that is very loyal to him because he has helped bring success, bonuses, and world championship glory in terms of 14 world titles during his time as team principal."

Horner has now released a statement on social media. public statement. In his lengthy message, he listed all of the team's achievements during his tenure and thanked staff members, rivals, and F1 officials.

"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," he said on Instagram. "Every one of you, the amazing people at the factory, have been the heart and soul of everything that we have achieved."

He concluded his message with: "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."