Revealed: The SHOCKING reason why Red Bull Racing FIRED Christian Horner after 20 years of service

The big news rocking the Formula 1 world is that Red Bull Racing has officially fired long-standing Team Principal Christian Horner, ending his 20-year reign at the top of one of the sport’s most dominant teams. 

The announcement came on Wednesday, with Red Bull offering no direct explanation for the decision, only stating Horner “will forever remain an important part of our team history.”

The statement posted via Oracle Red Bull Racing's official social media page read:

"After 20 years with the Team, Christian Horner departs Oracle Red Bull Racing as Team Principal and CEO. We thank him for his tireless and exceptional work. He has been instrumental in building this Team into one of the most successful in F1, with eight Drivers' Championships and six Constructors' Championships. Thank you for everything Christian, you will forever remain an important part of our team's history."

This abrupt departure is particularly striking as Horner had weathered numerous internal and external storms in recent months. 

His exit now casts a shadow over the team's immediate future, especially concerning star driver Max Verstappen, whose contract reportedly includes an exit clause triggered by major structural changes.

The timing could not be more critical, with Verstappen himself refusing to confirm his commitment to Red Bull beyond 2026. 

Asked about his future at the British Grand Prix, Horner was clearly under pressure, dodging firm answers while deflecting queries about Verstappen’s intentions.

While the official statement avoided direct reference, Horner’s sacking comes over a year after allegations surfaced regarding “inappropriate behaviour” towards a female Red Bull employee. 

The initial probe was handled internally by Red Bull’s parent company, but reports intensified after Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf published further claims — which Horner responded to with legal action.

Despite denying the accusations outright, Horner acknowledged the scrutiny, saying:

 “I deny the allegations that have been made but I'm going through a process and respect that process.”

 According to a Red Bull spokesperson on February 28 last year, the independent investigation had “dismissed the grievance” and was described as “fair, rigorous and impartial.”

Yet the controversy remained an open wound, and insiders have speculated that the reputational damage may have been too severe for Red Bull’s upper leadership to ignore. 

Horner was never suspended during the probe, which left critics questioning the company's internal handling.

With Horner out, Red Bull’s era of dominance may have suffered a fatal blow.

 In just 18 months, the team has seen the loss of its sporting director, chief car designer, and now its strategic leader. 

Much of the instability has been traced back to the death of Red Bull co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz, after which internal power dynamics reportedly shifted.

Despite being lauded for his “tireless commitment, expertise and innovative thinking,” the final chapter of Horner’s tenure is likely to be remembered for controversy rather than trophies.