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'Like he’s murdered somebody': F1 boss slams Horner sacking
SEN • July 11th, 2025 5:52 pm
Former F1 executive Bernie Ecclestone has spoken of his shock at news Christian Horner was sacked by Red Bull saying the team principal must have done something “very serious”.
Red Bull dropped a bombshell on Wednesday night (NZ time) when it was announced the team boss of 20 years would be dismissed with immediate effect.
While rumours of unrest had been circulating for some time and paddock whispers that Jos Verstappen wanted Horner gone were only getting louder, the fact the decision was made mid-season adds another layer on intrigue to what is really going on at Red Bull.
“It must be something very serious, in my opinion,” Ecclestone said. “I spoke to him the day before (on Monday) and he didn’t know. Well, he might have known, but he didn’t tell me.
“It was a normal conversation. We were talking about Max. Nothing to do with this, otherwise he would have told me. All I know is the message the whole world has got, which is, he’s been fired, effective immediately.
“It’s the ‘effective immediately’ I don’t understand. Why would they ask him to leave with immediate effect? It’s like he’s murdered somebody.
“You can understand, if you’re going to fire somebody, then you’d have a chat before and you’d come out with something like, ‘We’ve agreed to part company,’ or something.
“But to come out and say, ‘you’re fired with immediate effect,’ he must have done something a bit drastic for that to happen.
“Let’s assume they were unhappy with the results, which I can understand, that’s one thing. But to be fired immediately, that’s a different thing altogether.”
Red Bull Racing clip Christian Horner's wings | Scotty & Izzy
Horner, 51, who has been at the helm of the team since its inception in 2005 will be replaced by Laurent Mekies.
During his two-decade tenure, he oversaw the team winning eight world titles and six constructors’ titles.
His dismissal follows a consistent decline in performance this season and 17 months after he was embroiled in an internal sexual misconduct scandal, accused of sexual harassment and coercive, controlling behaviour by a female employee.
Confirming his departure, Horner said it was “with an incredibly heavy heart that he said goodbye to the team”.
“Every one of you, the amazing people at the factory, have been the heart and soul of everything that we have achieved,” he wrote on Instagram. “Win and lose, every step of the way, we have stood by each other as one and I will never forget that. It’s been a privilege being part of and leading this epic Team and I am so proud of our collective accomplishments and you all.
“Thanks to the amazing partners and fans who enabled us to go racing. Your support has helped grow the team from its humble beginnings to an F1 powerhouse that laid claim to 6 Constructors Championships and 8 Drivers Championships.
“Equally, thank you to our rivals, with whom there would be no racing at all. You’ve pushed us, challenged us, and enabled us to achieve accolades we never dreamed possible. The competition has made every victory sweeter and every setback an opportunity to develop and grow.
“Formula 1 is a sport built on relentless ambition, passion, and respect. The rivalries have been fierce, but the mutual drive to innovate and raise the bar is what has made this journey so special.
“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.”
