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Christian Horner has officially departed from his role at Red Bull with a settlement that is reported to be worth tens of millions of pounds. The controversial team boss is said to be receiving around £80 million as part of the settlement, with his contract potentially being valued at over £100 million, including bonuses. After weeks of negotiations, Red Bull confirmed in a statement on Monday that Horner was leaving the team, signaling that the terms of his departure had been finalized.
According to sources, the terms of the settlement would allow Horner to make a swift return to Formula 1 in the second quarter of next year with another team. While the financial details of his exit have not been disclosed, Horner, Red Bull F1, and Red Bull headquarters have refrained from commenting on the specifics.
Horner, who led the team for approximately two decades, has been a prominent figure in the world of Formula 1, engaging in rivalries with key figures such as Mercedes chief Toto Wolff and McLaren boss Zak Brown. His leadership was also highlighted in the popular Netflix documentary series “Formula 1: Drive to Survive.”
Last year, Horner faced allegations of inappropriate behavior from a female staff member, which he denied. The grievance was ultimately dismissed after an investigation by a barrister appointed by Red Bull. Despite remaining at the team, Red Bull’s performance saw a decline, leading to the departure of key figures such as designer and engineer Adrian Newey, sporting director Jonathan Wheatley, and Will Courtenay.
Having served as the longest-standing F1 team boss until his dismissal in July, Horner was replaced by French engineer Laurent Mekies, who now serves as the chief executive of Red Bull Racing. Despite the recent challenges, Red Bull driver Max Verstappen secured victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix over the weekend, currently standing third in the drivers’ championship behind Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris of McLaren.
Under Horner’s guidance, Red Bull achieved significant success in F1 history, clinching 14 constructors’ and drivers’ championships and forging strategic partnerships with major companies such as Larry Ellison’s Oracle and automaker Ford. Oliver Mintzlaff, chief executive of corporate projects and investments at Red Bull, expressed gratitude towards Horner for his exceptional work over the last two decades, stating that he will always be a crucial part of the team’s history.
As Horner bids farewell to Red Bull, the Formula 1 community awaits his next chapter in the sport, eager to see where his expertise and leadership will take him next.
