Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner Officially Departs

Horner secures huge payout as he leaves red bull racing

Christian Horner has officially left Red Bull Racing after agreeing to a substantial settlement package reportedly worth £80 million. Horner led the team to eight drivers' titles and six constructors' crowns during his 20-year tenure.

“With his tireless commitment, experience, expertise and innovative thinking, he has been instrumental in establishing Red Bull...”

Christian Horner has officially parted ways with Red Bull Racing after agreeing to a substantial exit package, reportedly worth around £75-80 million. This development comes after his sacking as team principal and CEO in July, a move that ended his 20-year tenure at the helm of one of Formula 1's most successful teams.

Today is Christian Horner's final day at Red Bull after 20 years at the team...

The end of an era 🤝 pic.twitter.com/ab3gyHmlIM

— Autosport (@autosport) September 22, 2025

Horner reflected on his time at Red Bull Racing, saying, “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. I'm incredibly proud of what we achieved as a team breaking records and reaching heights no-one would ever believe were possible and I will forever carry that with me.” With his contract now concluded, Horner is poised to return to the sport as early as next year, sparking speculation about potential future roles.

Red Bull chief executive Oliver Mintzlaff expressed gratitude for Horner's contributions, stating, “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. Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history.”

Laurent Mekies has taken over as the new team principal, overseeing an upturn in results since the summer break. Meanwhile, Horner's future plans remain uncertain, with possibilities of him joining another team or taking on a different role in the sport.

“When we started in 2005, none of us could have imagined the journey ahead -- the championships, the races, the people, the memories,” he said.

“I'm incredibly proud of what we achieved as a team, breaking records and reaching heights no one would ever believe were possible, and I will forever carry that with me.”

Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO of Corporate Projects and Investments at Red Bull, expressed gratitude to Christian Horner for his “exceptional work” over the past 20 years, highlighting his tireless commitment, experience, expertise, and innovative thinking that made Red Bull Racing one of the most successful teams in Formula 1. Mintzlaff's praise emphasized Horner's instrumental role in the team's achievements, saying, “Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team's history.”

Christian Horner has formally left Red Bull Racing, with the ex-team principal given a £52m pay-off. pic.twitter.com/U7BEjFdZcs

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) September 22, 2025

Key Points from Mintzlaff's Tribute:

• Exceptional Leadership: Horner's leadership contributed significantly to Red Bull Racing's success.

• Lasting Legacy: Mintzlaff acknowledged Horner's lasting impact on the team.

• Gratitude: The CEO expressed appreciation for Horner's dedication and hard work.

Christian Horner was stripped of his operational duties as Red Bull team principal on July 9, following a tumultuous period that began 17 months prior when he faced allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” from a female colleague. Despite being cleared twice by Red Bull GmbH, the parent company of the Formula 1 team, the incident marked the beginning of the end of his tenure. Horner had been at the helm of Red Bull Racing since its inception in 2005, leading the team to eight drivers' titles and six constructors' crowns.

Throughout the ordeal, Horner's wife, Geri Halliwell, stood firmly by his side, showcasing her support in a public display of solidarity. This backing was crucial during a time when Horner faced significant scrutiny and power struggles within the team.

Fast forward to September 22, Horner officially parted ways with Red Bull, securing an £80 million settlement package. This substantial payout allows him to return to Formula 1 as early as 2026, sparking speculation about potential future roles within the sport. With his contract concluded, Horner is now free to explore new opportunities, potentially as a team investor or in an executive-level role.

Christian Horner, the former Red Bull team principal, has officially parted ways with the Formula 1 team after a reported $107 million settlement. Horner was cleared twice by Red Bull GmbH of allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” made by a female colleague, and his wife, Geri Halliwell, stood by him throughout the ordeal. Despite this, the team faced internal turmoil, marked by several high-profile departures and a dip in performance on the track.

Max Verstappen has been instrumental in Red Bull's success, winning the past four drivers' titles and matching Sebastian Vettel's dominance from 2010 to 2013. Recently, Verstappen secured a victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he started from 11th place and overtook 10 cars to take the lead. Despite this win, Verstappen currently sits third in the standings this season.

Horner led Red Bull to eight drivers' titles and six constructors' crowns during his 20-year tenure. With his contract concluded, Horner is now free to explore new opportunities in Formula 1, potentially as early as next year. His future plans remain uncertain, but speculation suggests he may join another team or take on a different role in the sport.