Christian Horner’s remarkable two-decade journey as the architect of Red Bull Racing’s Formula 1 dominance has officially come to an end, following a dramatic series of events that saw the 51-year-old team principal and CEO relieved of his duties and ultimately agree to a massive severance deal. The news, confirmed by Red Bull Racing on September 22, 2025, brings closure to a saga that has captivated the motorsport world and left fans and insiders alike speculating about Horner’s next move—and the future of the team he helped build from the ground up.
Horner’s exit, which became public just days after the British Grand Prix in July, marks the conclusion of a 20-year tenure that transformed Red Bull from a fledgling energy drinks-backed outfit into one of Formula 1’s most decorated teams. During his time at the helm, Horner presided over an era of extraordinary success, guiding the squad to eight drivers’ championships and six constructors’ crowns, achievements that seemed almost unthinkable when the team debuted in 2005.
The official statement from the team was succinct but carried the weight of history: “Oracle Red Bull Racing announces today that team principal and CEO Christian Horner will leave the team today.” The announcement confirmed what had been rumored for weeks, as negotiations over Horner’s departure reportedly stretched on for two months after his initial sacking. The final settlement is believed to be as high as £80 million (approximately $107 million), though sources indicate Horner accepted a slightly lower sum—around £75 million—in order to secure his freedom to return to Formula 1 sooner rather than later.
Horner’s contract, which had been due to run until 2030, was abruptly terminated following a turbulent period for the team. The catalyst for his removal was a combination of internal power struggles and the fallout from allegations of inappropriate behavior made by a female colleague in early 2024. Red Bull GmbH, the team’s parent company, conducted two internal investigations and ultimately cleared Horner of any wrongdoing. Throughout the ordeal, his wife, former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, stood firmly by his side. Still, the controversy and ensuing unrest led to a series of high-profile departures and a noticeable dip in Red Bull’s on-track performance.
Reflecting on his departure, Horner issued a heartfelt statement: “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.” He went on to extend his best wishes to his successor, Laurent Mekies, as well as to drivers Max Verstappen and Yuki Tsunoda, and the entire Red Bull Technology Group. “I am confident they will, as ever, deliver success on the track, for our fans, and continue to push to the maximum,” Horner added, even expressing excitement about seeing the first Red Bull/Ford engine in the RB22 next year and the debut of the RB17 hypercar.
Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO of corporate projects and investments at Red Bull, praised Horner’s legacy: “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.”
Financially, the terms of Horner’s exit are eye-watering. While his reported payout is enormous, UK tax regulations mean that he will lose nearly half of the sum—about £36 million—to income tax, leaving him with an estimated £44 million in hand. Still, the windfall more than doubles his net worth, now estimated at around £85 million, a figure that dwarfs even that of his celebrity spouse. As tax expert Nicole Zalys explained, “the majority of the British racing legend’s pay-off will be taxed at 45 percent, which is the additional rate for high earners.” Fortunately for Horner, severance payments are exempt from employee National Insurance contributions, and the first £30,000 is typically free from income tax.
With Laurent Mekies stepping in as the new team principal and CEO, Red Bull has managed to steady the ship in recent months. Max Verstappen, the team’s star driver and four-time defending champion, has won the last two Grands Prix—including the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on September 21, 2025—keeping Red Bull in the title hunt. Verstappen currently sits third in the 2025 drivers’ standings, while the team eyes a resurgence under fresh leadership.
As for Horner, the F1 paddock is buzzing with speculation about his next act. Freed from contractual restrictions as early as late spring 2026, he is widely expected to return to the sport in some capacity. According to Sky Sports F1’s Craig Slater, Horner “has taken a bit less money in order to make himself free again to rejoin Formula 1 competition in 2026. It won’t be from the beginning of 2026, but he would be able to work for, or be part of, another team before next summer.” The Briton has been linked with a possible move to Alpine—potentially in partnership with his friend Flavio Briatore—or even with a new entrant, though Cadillac has publicly denied interest.
For now, Horner is enjoying some well-earned downtime, focusing on family life, attending concerts, and taking a holiday with Geri Halliwell. But the competitive fire clearly still burns. “He still thinks he has a lot to give. He’s only 51. He has money behind him now, some extra money, and I think he wants to get right back up there if he can. He’s a competitive animal. This did hurt him, it did set him back. It was a painful exit from a company he felt he had developed into a world-beating operation. But this maybe gives him the opportunity to be more than just a team boss,” Slater remarked.
Horner’s record speaks for itself: two eras of Red Bull dominance, first with Sebastian Vettel’s four consecutive drivers’ and constructors’ championships from 2010-2013, and then with Verstappen’s four straight titles from 2021-2024. Red Bull also secured constructors’ titles in 2022 and 2023, cementing their legacy as a modern F1 powerhouse. Yet the recent exodus of key personnel—including legendary designer Adrian Newey and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley—signals a period of transition for the Milton Keynes-based team.
As the 2025 Formula 1 season charges toward its conclusion, all eyes remain on Red Bull’s performance under new management and on Christian Horner’s next move. Will he seek to become a team owner, launch a new outfit, or take the reins at an established rival? One thing’s for sure: the paddock hasn’t heard the last of Christian Horner.
For Red Bull Racing, the end of an era brings both uncertainty and opportunity. For Horner, the road ahead is wide open—and the racing world will be watching closely to see where it leads.
