Horner says he leaves Red Bull “with a heavy heart” in first statement since shock exit · RaceFans

July 9, 2025

in Racing

Reading Time: 3 mins read

Christian Horner paid tribute to Pink Bull’s crew members, suppliers and rivals in his first official assertion since his departure was introduced.

The 51-year-old was the longest-serving crew principal in Formulation 1. He had run Pink Bull’s crew because it joined F1 20 years in the past, through which time it has received six constructors’ championships and brought Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen to 4 drivers’ titles every.

“After an unimaginable journey of 20 years collectively, it’s with a heavy coronary heart that at the moment I say goodbye to the crew I’ve completely cherished,” mentioned Horner in a publish on social media. “Each one among you, the wonderful individuals on the manufacturing unit, have been the center and soul of all the pieces that we’ve achieved.

“Win and lose, each step of the way in which, we’ve stood by one another as one and I’ll always remember that. It’s been a privilege being a part of and main this epic crew and I’m so happy with our collective accomplishments and also you all.

“Due to the wonderful companions and followers who enabled us to go racing. Your assist has helped develop the crew from its humble beginnings to an F1 powerhouse that laid declare to 6 constructors’ championships and eight drivers’ championships.”

Horner additionally thanked the crew’s rivals: “Equally, thanks to our rivals, with whom there can be no racing in any respect.

“You’ve pushed us, challenged us, and enabled us to realize accolades we by no means dreamed attainable. The competitors has made each victory sweeter and each setback a possibility to develop and develop. Formulation 1 is a sport constructed on relentless ambition, ardour, and respect. The rivalries have been fierce, however the mutual drive to innovate and lift the bar is what has made this journey so particular.”

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He leaves the crew having turned the struggling Jaguar operation Pink Bull acquired from Ford right into a a number of championship-winning squad which is because of turn into an influence unit producer subsequent 12 months.

“It’s been an honour to be a part of this unimaginable period of motorsport,” mentioned Horner. “I depart with immense delight in what we’ve achieved and in addition with what’s within the pipeline for 2026 — and big respect for everybody who’s made F1 the top it’s at the moment.”

Horner’s place has been taken by Laurent Mekies, who was beforehand crew principal of Pink Bull’s different F1 crew, Racing Bulls. In a press release issued by Pink Bull, CEO for company tasks and investments Oliver Minztlaff mentioned: “We wish to thank Christian Horner for his distinctive work over the past 20 years.

“Together with his tireless dedication, expertise, experience and modern pondering, he has been instrumental in establishing Pink Bull Racing as one of the vital profitable and enticing groups in Formulation One.

“Thanks for all the pieces Christian, you’ll without end stay an essential a part of our Staff historical past. And naturally, welcome Laurent, we want you all the perfect on this new enterprise.”