Christian Horner has stated his sacking as F1 Purple Bull’s workforce principal got here as a “shock” throughout an emotional farewell speech.
The 51-year-old, who had been with Purple Bull since 2005, was the longest-serving workforce principal in F1. The workforce introduced Laurent Mekies had been appointed as CEO on Wednesday.
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F1: New period for Purple Bull
“I will still remain employed by the company, but, operationally, the baton will be handed over,” he stated throughout his speech on Wednesday.
“It got here as a shock to myself.
“When I arrived 20 years ago, there were a few less grey hairs. I walked into a team and did not know what to expect, but I was immediately welcomed and we started to build what became a powerhouse in F1.
“Watching and being a part of this workforce, has been the largest privilege of my life.”
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Horner’s exit – a seismic announcement on the earth of racing – comes following a troublesome interval for the Purple Bull workforce, which two years in the past dominated the F1 championship, earlier than dramatically falling behind its rivals.
The workforce presently sits fourth within the constructors’ championship, behind McLaren, Mercedes, and Ferrari, whereas star driver Max Verstappen sits in third within the drivers’ standings.
Horner’s departure from the workforce additionally comes a yr after allegations of inappropriate behaviour had been made in opposition to him in February 2024 by a feminine colleague.
Horner, who’s married to former Spice Lady Geri Horner, has all the time denied the allegations in opposition to him. They had been dismissed following an enchantment final summer season.
Purple Bull’s assertion saying the choice to sack Horner didn’t give a cause for his departure.
Beneath Horner, Purple Bull Racing achieved 124 race wins, 107 pole positions and 287 podium finishes, and received eight Drivers’ World Championships and 6 Constructors’ Championships.
In an announcement, Purple Bull stated: “We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years.
“Together with his tireless dedication, expertise, experience and progressive considering, he has been instrumental in establishing Purple Bull Racing as one of the crucial profitable and enticing groups in Method 1.
“Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history.”
