Christian Horner has formally departed Red Bull Racing after reaching a severance agreement following his dismissal as team principal in July. Although Red Bull’s official statement did not disclose financial details, a source close to the team told BBC Sport that Horner received a pay-off of €60 million (£52 million), making it one of the largest settlements in sporting history.
Horner, 51, had led Red Bull since the team’s entry into Formula 1 in 2005. Under his leadership, the team claimed eight drivers’ championships and six constructors’ titles, establishing itself as a dominant force in the sport.
He earned a reported annual salary of €12 million (£10 million) and was under contract until 2030. However, his time with the team ended amid internal turmoil and declining performance.
On 9 July, Red Bull confirmed Horner had been “released from his operational duties.” His dismissal followed a turbulent 18-month period, beginning with a public accusation of sexual harassment made by a female employee in February 2024.
Though Horner was twice cleared of wrongdoing, first by an internal legal investigation and again following an appeal, his position became increasingly untenable. The episode laid bare deeper tensions within the team, including a loss of confidence from key figures.
Among those who departed during the same period were legendary car designer Adrian Newey, who left in April after expressing frustration with the team’s direction, and long-time sporting director Jonathan Wheatley, who exited in July to become team principal at Sauber ahead of their transition to Audi in 2026. Head of strategy Will Courtenay also resigned and is set to join McLaren as sporting director once contractual issues are resolved.
As Red Bull’s performance faltered through the early part of the 2025 season, Horner’s relationships with shareholders deteriorated. Chalerm Yoovidhya, the majority shareholder who had previously backed Horner, withdrew his support. Red Bull CEO for corporate projects and investments, Oliver Mintzlaff, ultimately decided to remove him after the team’s disappointing showing at the British Grand Prix.
In a statement, Mintzlaff 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.”
Horner, in the same statement, reflected on his time with the team: “Leading Red Bull has been an honour and a privilege. My biggest satisfaction has been assembling and leading the most amazing group of talented and driven individuals and seeing them flourish as a subsidiary of an energy drinks company and seeing them take on and beat some of the biggest automotive brands in the world.”
