Red Bull chief Christian Horner admits true feelings on King Charles after receiving CBE
WATCH NOW: GB News sport round-up
Red Bull Formula One team principal Christian Horner has been honoured with a CBE by King Charles III at Buckingham Palace today, describing the monarch as "charming" during the investiture ceremony.
The 51-year-old motorsport executive, who was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the New Year Honours list, received the award for his distinguished services to motorsport.
The ceremony marks another milestone for one of British motorsport's most successful team leaders.
Speaking after the ceremony, Horner shared details of his conversation with the King at the Palace.
Christian Horner admitted King Charles was 'charming' during a chat
PA
"He was charming," Horner told PA news agency. "We exchanged pleasantries and he inquired how the season had gone."
The Red Bull chief noted that competition had been "much fiercer this year", whilst highlighting his team's achievements.
"We came out of it defending the Drivers' World Championship, winning more races than any other team, nine wins, four sprint victories," he added.
Horner's journey in motorsport began as a racing driver, where he achieved success in the 1992 British Formula Renault Championship before transitioning to team management at age 25.
Since taking the helm at Red Bull in 2005, he has guided the team to remarkable success, securing six constructors' championships between 2010 and 2023.
JUST IN:BBC SPOTY host Gabby Logan sparks 'woke row' over Christmas omission - 'Is the word banned?'
Under his leadership, Red Bull has dominated the sport, with their drivers leading more than double the amount of laps compared to their rivals.
Speaking at Buckingham Palace, Horner praised Red Bull's star driver Max Verstappen, describing him as a "unique talent".
"He's a generational talent that just continues to evolve and get stronger and stronger," Horner said.
READ MORE: Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk trilogy fight agreement with 'specific conditions' in place
Christian Horner was joined by wife and former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell
Reuters
"This was probably his best season in Formula One, in delivering the kind of results that he did to defend his title."
Reflecting on his career highlights, Horner singled out Red Bull's first World Constructors' Championship in 2010 as particularly special."
Most of all, I think it's testimony to all the men and women behind the scenes in the team and working with such a fantastic group of people," he added.
LATEST SPORT NEWS:
- Darts star heavily booed after disappointing Ally Pally crowd on opening night of World Championship
- Luke Littler 'robbed' as fans fume after Keely Hodgkinson wins BBC Sports Personality of the Year
- Snooker star screams in anger after losing to 18-year-old and tells referee to 'shut up' in dramatic scenes
Christian Horner was given the award for his distinguished services to motorsport
Reuters
The CBE honour adds to Horner's previous royal recognition, having received an OBE (Officer of the British Empire) in 2013.
Upon learning of his CBE appointment in the New Year Honours list, Horner expressed his deep gratitude.
"It was an unexpected distinction a decade ago to be presented with an OBE, and to receive this second award, a CBE, is one for which I am hugely grateful and deeply honoured," he said.
You may like
