Christian Horner and wife Geri Halliwell-Horner

Horner crying at Red Bull's factory: 'Tabloid reveals the real reason!'

16:32, 15 Jul

byEstéban den Toom

In recent days in Formula 1, the focus has been on the dismissal of Christian Horner. After twenty years as the team principal in the pinnacle of motorsport, the Briton has now packed his bags. During his farewell speech the emotions were palpable as Horner did indeed break into tears, and The Sun now reveals the real reason behind the emotional team principal's departure.

Eighteen months ago, all the troubles around the Red Bull Racing team principal began. Texts, comments, and photos, it all surfaced, having been sent to journalists, and F1 team bosses, among others.

It's now July 2025, and the Brit was dismissed a few days ago. Sky Sports has obtained footage of Horner's farewell speech, and shared it on social media. He gave a speeech at the factory and said he was somewhat surprised. This is what Horner said in Milton Keynes.

"Yesterday, Red Bull informed me that I would no longer be operationally involved with the company or the team. It came as a shock to myself. I've had the past 12 hours to reflect, and I wanted to stand before you all to share this news and express my gratitude to every team member who has given so much over the past 20.5 years."

Christian Horner and wife Geri Halliwell-Horner at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

The real reason for Horner's tears during Red Bull farewell speech

During Horner's speech, tears were also seen in the team principal's eyes, marking an emotional end to his Red Bull Racing era. According to the British tabloid The Sun, Horner's tears were not because of his dismissal from Red Bull, but because of something else happening in the Englishman's private life. The newspaper reports the following about the emotional Horner during his speech at the Red Bull factory as per a source.

“Christian is of course desperately sad that his career has ended this way. He also had the shock news about his ex wife’s death just a few days before. But the emotion he showed during his teary speech was actually about Geri."

"He fears his sacking is yet another crisis for his marriage to face after an incredibly difficult year. Geri has already begun distancing herself by going by Halliwell-Horner when writing her books."

"Although she's still totally invested in her marriage, she wants to focus on herself and protecting her own image."