Christian Horner has officially departed from Red Bull Racing following an £80 million exit agreement, bringing an end to his influential career with the team. The 51-year-old former team principal, who had been in charge since 2005, was relieved of his operational duties by Red Bull GmbH, the parent company, after the British Grand Prix in July this year.
Horner’s contract, originally set to run until 2030, has now been terminated early, allowing him the freedom to potentially return to Formula 1 as soon as next season. The reduced settlement ensures that he is no longer bound by long-term restrictions, enabling a paddock comeback sooner than anticipated.
A statement from Red Bull Racing confirmed the departure: “Oracle Red Bull Racing announces today that team principal and CEO Christian Horner will leave the team effective immediately.”
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During his 20 years at the helm, Horner led Red Bull to unparalleled success, securing eight drivers' championships and six constructors' titles. Under his leadership, the Milton Keynes-based outfit transformed into a dominant force in Formula 1.
Speculation about Horner’s future in F1 has been widespread since his departure. Despite rumors linking him to Cadillac, the newly entering 11th team on the grid next season, the manufacturer has denied pursuing him.
Reflecting on his time at Red Bull, Horner commented, “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 believed possible. I will always carry those memories with me.”
He also emphasized the team spirit that made their success possible: “For me, the greatest satisfaction has been assembling and leading the most talented and driven individuals, seeing them flourish as part of an energy drinks company and take on some of the biggest automotive brands in the world.”
Horner’s removal from operational duties followed allegations of inappropriate behavior made by a female colleague in early 2023. An internal investigation cleared him of any wrongdoing, and despite leaked WhatsApp messages, Horner was exonerated twice, including by an independent KC last August.
Married to former Spice Girls singer Geri Halliwell, Horner maintained the support of Red Bull’s leadership throughout the investigations, ultimately concluding his tenure on a high note.