Christian Horner has formally parted ways with Red Bull Racing after reaching a settlement agreement worth approximately £74 million ($100 million), more than two months after the team principal was abruptly sacked following the British Grand Prix in July.
The 51-year-old Briton’s departure ends a remarkable 20-year reign at the Milton Keynes-based team, during which he oversaw eight drivers’ championships and six constructors’ titles, making him Formula One’s longest-serving team principal until his dismissal.
A statement released today confirmed Horner has officially left Red Bull as of 22 September, following weeks of negotiations over the financial terms of his exit from the Austrian-owned team.
No Official Reason Given
Red Bull has never publicly disclosed the specific reasons for Horner’s sudden removal on 9 July, though sources suggest a culmination of factors led to the decision by Red Bull GmbH’s senior management.
“We would like to thank Christian for his exceptional work over the last 20 years,” said Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull’s CEO of corporate projects and investments, who ultimately made the decision to remove Horner. 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.
Sky Sports F1’s Martin Brundle revealed that Horner told him “no reason was given to him” for his release, adding to the mystery surrounding the abrupt departure just days after the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
Emotional Farewell to Staff
In an emotional speech to Red Bull staff on the morning of his departure, a tearful Horner addressed the team he had led since 2005. Video footage seen by Sky Sports News captured his shock at the decision.
“It came as a shock to myself,” Horner told the assembled staff. I’ve had a chance to reflect over the last 12 hours and wanted to stand in front of all of you to break this news and to express my gratitude to each and every single member of the team that has given so much during the last 20-and-a-half years.
The former team principal added: “When I arrived 20 years ago, there were a few less grey hairs. I walked into a team and did not know what to expect but I was immediately welcomed and we started to build what became a powerhouse in F1.”
Settlement Details and Garden Leave
Whilst the exact details of the financial settlement have not been officially revealed, sources close to the negotiations indicate a compromise was reached on a sum believed to be in the region of £74 million.
The agreement reportedly includes a period of garden leave that will keep Horner out of Formula One until potentially the second half of 2026, a significant reduction from what could have been a much longer enforced absence from the sport.
Industry insiders suggest this compromise allows both parties to move forward, with Horner potentially free to return to competition before next year’s major regulation changes.
Backdrop of Controversy
Horner’s departure came 17 months after allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards a female employee rocked the sport in early 2024. The controversy began when accusations of “coercive behaviour” emerged, leading to two separate internal investigations.
An independent King’s Counsel barrister cleared Horner in February 2024, with a second investigation dismissing an appeal in August of the same year. Throughout the scandal, Horner consistently denied all allegations.
The day after being initially cleared, a cache of alleged WhatsApp messages and images were anonymously leaked to nearly 200 Formula One figures, including team principals, media executives and journalists, creating a major crisis for the team.
Team Turmoil and Departures
The controversy appeared to accelerate a series of high-profile departures from Red Bull, including legendary designer Adrian Newey, who left for Aston Martin, and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley, who became Sauber’s team principal.
Sources within Red Bull told ESPN that the atmosphere within the team had grown increasingly tense, magnified by on-track struggles in 2025 and uncertainty about star driver Max Verstappen’s future.
Verstappen’s father, Jos, had publicly called for Horner’s removal during the scandal, creating additional tension within the team’s hierarchy. The relationship between Horner and the Austrian side of the business, particularly advisor Helmut Marko, had reportedly deteriorated significantly.
Performance Decline
Red Bull’s on-track performance had notably declined since mid-2024, with the team winning just four of 26 races leading up to Horner’s dismissal. In the 2025 season, Verstappen sits third in the drivers’ championship, 69 points behind McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, whilst Red Bull languishes in fourth place in the constructors’ standings, 288 points behind leaders McLaren.
Former Red Bull driver Sergio Pérez recently suggested the team’s problems began with Newey’s departure: “When Adrian Newey left, I think, that’s when a lot more problems started.”
Replacement and Future
Laurent Mekies, formerly of Red Bull’s sister team Racing Bulls, replaced Horner with immediate effect as both CEO and team principal. The Frenchman, who previously worked at Ferrari and the FIA, has impressed Red Bull management with his leadership of the junior team.
“It’s an honour to be part of this group of brilliant people that embody the Red Bull spirit,” Mekies said upon his appointment. “Together we will achieve great results, building on the incredible legacy left by Christian Horner during his two decades in charge.”
Potential Return to F1
With Horner now formally departed and his garden leave terms established, speculation has mounted about his potential return to Formula One. He has been strongly linked with a possible buy-in or purchase of the Alpine team, with rumours suggesting he could team up with former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone to fund such a venture.
However, Renault CEO François Provost has reiterated the French manufacturer’s commitment to F1, potentially closing off that avenue for Horner’s return.
During his tenure at Red Bull, Horner oversaw 124 Grand Prix victories, 107 pole positions and 287 podium finishes. He guided Sebastian Vettel to four consecutive drivers’ titles between 2010 and 2013, before Max Verstappen’s dominant run of four championships from 2021 to 2024.
Horner was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2013 and Commander in 2024 for his services to motorsport, cementing his legacy as one of Formula One’s most successful team principals despite his controversial exit.
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Image Credit:
Christian Horner & Geri Halliwell (cropped, London April 2016) — photo by Brian Minkoff-London Pixels, CC BY-SA 4.0.
