Horner feels ‘betrayed’ by Red Bull as savage | Sports News

Christian Horner is claimed to be reeling from a sense he was “betrayed” after being ousted from his position as group principal of Red Bull Racing, a place he held for 20 years. Earlier this month, the 51-year-old was abruptly dismissed in a transfer that shocked the motorsport group and got here as a shock announcement by the power drink conglomerate.

Laurent Mekies has been introduced as Horner’s successor, amid the racing world’s astonishment on the departure of a determine who had steered the group since its F1 inception in 2005. Horner’s departure follows an incident 18 months prior, when he discovered himself embroiled in a WhatsApp controversy.

An nameless feminine Red Bull worker had leveled accusations of ‘inappropriate conduct’ towards him, which he strongly refuted.

Allegedly incriminating texts attributed to Horner have been circulated amongst media and group members within the paddock, resulting in an inside probe that in the end exonerated him. Despite being cleared, Horner confronted a sudden termination only one season later.

Close household buddies have come ahead discussing his response to the firing, revealing Horner’s emotions of “betrayed” by the Formula One outfit.

A confidant disclosed to SunSport: “Christian told me how hurt and betrayed he felt after all that he and Geri and their family have been through over the past 18 months. He was cleared twice over the texting scandal but is now on gardening leave and has still been given no explanation why he’s lost the job he loved.

“Red Bull’s Austrian bosses have at all times resented the truth that a lot of their F1 success was down to a group that Christian inbuilt Britain. That is what lies behind this – as nicely as the hangover from the horrible headlines final 12 months.”

The insider detailed how Horner walked into the London meeting unaware of the impending news. He was reportedly “dumbfounded” upon learning of his termination, as the family friend disclosed that the ex-team principal thought he was summoned to discuss a different matter.

According to the family friend, with a significant number of Red Bull’s racing team being British and loyal to Horner, there’s talk of a potential mass exodus from the squad. They characterized Horner’s ousting as a “focused assault” from Red Bull’s Austrian headquarters, which allegedly harbors a grudge over their race team being led by a Brit.

While Horner’s future in F1 remains uncertain, his achievements in the sport haven’t gone unnoticed by Max Verstappen, who expressed gratitude to his former boss in a touching X post. The four-time reigning world champion penned: “From my first race win, to 4 world championships, we now have shared unimaginable successes. Winning memorable races and breaking numerous data. Thank you for every part, Christian!”.