Christian Horner: F1 principal sacked by Red Bull a year on from sexting scandal

Christian Horner has been sacked as the principal of Red Bull, a year on from a sexting scandal with a female employee.

Horner, 51, was accused of coercive behaviour toward his colleague, but was cleared of any wrongdoing via two internal investigations into sexual misconduct.

He had been team principal for 20 years. Laurent Mekies, former Racing Bulls team principal, has been promoted to CEO of Red Bull Racing.

Red Bull has not given a reason for the decision.

Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull Group chief executive, said “we would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years.

“With his tireless commitment, experience, expertise and innovative thinking, he has been instrumental in establishing Red Bull Racing as one of the most successful and attractive teams in Formula One.

“Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history.”

Horner oversaw eight drivers’ world championships and six constructors’ titles.

However, Red Bull’s performance has recently been lacking, with four-time world champion Max Verstappen having won only two of the 12 races staged this season.

Verstappen came fifth in Sunday’s British Gran Prix at Silverstone, which turned out to be Horner’s last official race in the top job.

During the investigation, hundreds of WhatsApp messages between Horner and the female employee were leaked.

He is married to Spice Girls alum Geri Halliwell, who supported him during the investigations.

Still, Horner lost a number of key figures at Red Bull, with design guru Adrian Newey, chief designer Rob Marshall and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley all departing.

F1 fans have taken to social media, expressing their shock at the decision.

“What happened to Horner, I can’t believe it” one fan wrote on Instagram.

With AP