Christian Horner says 'no reason' given for Red Bull axe

Christian Horner has revealed that 'no reason' has been given as to why he has been sacked by Red Bull.

Horner and Red Bull have sensationally parted ways, with the Briton exiting the Milton Keynes-based team after 20 years in charge.

According to Sky Sports F1 co-commentator Martin Brundle, Horner has left, seemingly without being offered an explanation as to why.

"I'm due to speak to Christian a bit later in the day," said Brundle. "I got a message through to him to saying, 'Sorry to read that [on his exit]

"In fact, I said to him, 'Can we have a chat before I have to go on TV', because I wanted to know more about it from his point of view, and he wasn't able to do that.

"What he did say to me was that no reason was given to him as to why he's been released. So that's the only hard information I have on that."

Brundle said the bombshell news had naturally "come out of the blue" but indicated there were "problems in the team" and the "words" he was "getting out of Team Verstappen and others".

He added: "I'm quite sad about it, if I'm honest. I consider Christian a friend, and he's done an incredible job there for 20 years, won an awful lot of races and world championships for drivers and for the team.

"He took it from what was the Stewart team through Jaguar, and it was struggling, to a massive campus in Milton Keynes and an awful lot of success and a huge trophy cabinet.

"But it's not been difficult to feel in the Formula 1 paddock, to observe and to hear, that things were not particularly rosy."

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'A number of aspects' behind Horner exit

Horner's situation at Red Bull has been in the spotlight since claims of inappropriate behaviour were levelled against him early last year by a female employee. He was cleared of any impropriety.

Brundle indicated that what unfolded was "probably part of it", adding: "I believe it's probably performance related as well.

"I think it makes it more likely that [Max] Verstappen will stay there. I think that became quite personal with, shall we call it Team Verstappen.

"But I think there are a number of aspects, but particularly that the car is struggling, although they've won races this year, of course. They've won races brilliantly this year.

"But you know, nothing's forever. Things move on, and Red Bull have already put in place significant changes.

"Laurent Mekies comes over from Racing Bulls, their junior team, and Alan Permane takes over the reins there. So you they have very quickly put in place solutions."