Christian Horner has officially left Red Bull Racing after striking a multi-million euro severance deal, bringing an end to nearly two decades in charge of the Formula 1 team. His departure follows his dismissal as team principal in July, closing a controversial and turbulent chapter for the sport.
Although Red Bull’s formal announcement did not disclose financial terms, sources told BBC Sport that Horner’s exit package totals around €60m (£52m), making it one of the most substantial severance deals in sporting history.
The 51-year-old had been at the helm since the team’s creation in 2005, guiding Red Bull to eight drivers’ championships and six constructors’ titles. Earning €12m (£10m) per year, he was contracted until 2030, but his tenure unraveled amid controversy and internal strife.
On 9 July, Red Bull confirmed Horner had been “released from his operational duties.” The decision came after 18 turbulent months, beginning with public allegations of sexual harassment by a female employee in February 2024. Horner was twice cleared following independent investigations, but the saga exposed deep divisions within Red Bull and coincided with a noticeable dip in the team’s performance.
The fallout also triggered an exodus of key figures. Adrian Newey, Red Bull’s legendary design chief often hailed as Formula 1’s greatest car designer, departed in April. Long-serving sporting director Jonathan Wheatley followed in July, later joining Sauber ahead of their transformation into Audi’s works team. Head of strategy Will Courtenay, a stalwart since Red Bull’s Jaguar days, also resigned and is set to join McLaren once contractual hurdles are resolved.
As the team’s competitiveness faltered, Horner’s relationships with Red Bull’s top shareholders deteriorated. Once protected by major investor Chalerm Yoovidhya, Horner eventually lost his support. Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull’s CEO of corporate projects and investments, made the final decision to remove him after a disappointing British Grand Prix performance.
In a farewell statement, Mintzlaff thanked Horner for his “exceptional work,” crediting his leadership, innovation, and relentless commitment in establishing Red Bull as one of Formula 1’s elite teams.
Horner himself reflected on his legacy with pride: “My biggest satisfaction has been assembling and leading the most amazing group of talented and driven individuals, watching them flourish as part of an energy drinks company, and seeing them take on — and beat — some of the biggest automotive brands in the world.”
