Christian Horner departs Red Bull with a multi-million pound settlement following his dismissal as team principal in July

Christian Horner’s departure from Red Bull Racing marks the end of an era in Formula 1. After 20 years at the helm, overseeing the team’s rise to prominence, Horner was officially announced to have left on Monday following a significant negotiation concerning his exit package. This agreement reportedly sees Horner receiving a pay-out in the region of £75 million, a reduced figure compared to the outstanding amount owed to him from his contract which was set to run until the end of 2030.

Horner excelled in his dual roles as both team principal and chief executive of Red Bull Racing, steering the team through two remarkable periods of dominance in the sport. Under his leadership, Red Bull secured an impressive four consecutive drivers’ and constructors’ championships from 2010 to 2013 with Sebastian Vettel, and more recently, they celebrated four consecutive driver championships won by Max Verstappen from 2021 to 2024. Additionally, Red Bull claimed the constructors’ championships in both 2022 and 2023, further solidifying their status as one of the most formidable teams in F1 history.

With the conclusion of his tenure, Oliver Mintzlaff, the Red Bull chief executive of corporate projects and investments, expressed gratitude for Horner’s exceptional contributions to the team. Mintzlaff remarked, “With his tireless commitment, experience, expertise, and innovative thinking, he has been instrumental in establishing Red Bull Racing as one of the most successful and attractive teams in Formula 1.” His words encapsulate the profound impact Horner had not only on the team’s success but also on its identity and culture.

Reflecting on his time at Red Bull, Horner stated, “Leading Red Bull Racing has been an honour and privilege. When we started in 2005, none of us could have imagined the journey ahead – the championships, the races, the people, the memories.” He expressed immense pride in the accomplishments of the team, particularly in forging a group characterized by talent and dedication that consistently challenged some of the world’s largest automotive brands.

However, the last year and a half of Horner’s leadership was not without its challenges. He faced allegations of inappropriate behaviour made by a female colleague, which were ultimately dismissed but subjected him to scrutiny during a turbulent period for the team. This was compounded by a drop in performance, with McLaren emerging as the new dominant force in the sport and several key figures, including iconic designer Adrian Newey, departing the Red Bull ranks.

As he moves on from Red Bull, Horner’s future in Formula 1 seems bright, with speculation suggesting he may return to a role with either Alpine or Cadillac, although Cadillac has recently quashed such rumors. His replacement, Laurent Mekies, has reportedly made a positive impact, leading the team to improved results following the summer break, as seen with Verstappen’s strong showing in recent races.

In closing, Horner emphasized his best wishes for the team’s future, expressing confidence in Mekies and their ability to continue delivering results on the track. He acknowledged not only the support of the shareholders and key individuals at Red Bull but also the collaboration that helped redefine what was possible in Formula 1. As the sport continues to evolve, the legacy of Christian Horner’s leadership will undoubtedly resonate for years to come, serving as a testament to his influential role in the world of motorsport.