Christian Horner’s glittering two-decade chapter with Red Bull has officially come to a close.
After months of negotiations following his dismissal in July, the team and its long-serving leader have agreed on exit terms that bring down the curtain on one of Formula 1’s most successful partnerships.
Red Bull confirmed Horner’s departure on Monday, hailing the 51-year-old’s immense impact. Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull’s chief executive of corporate projects and investments, delivered a glowing tribute:
“We would like to thank Christian for his exceptional work over the last 20 years,” Mintzlaff said.
“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.”
Christian Horner with Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff.
The praise is well-earned. Horner masterminded two distinct periods of outstanding success: first with Sebastian Vettel’s four consecutive drivers’ titles between 2010 and 2013, and again with Max Verstappen’s ongoing dominance since 2021.
Alongside those achievements came multiple Constructors’ crowns and a reputation for shaking up the sport as an energy drink company turned racing powerhouse.
Horner’s Reflections
Horner reflected on the highs and human stories that defined his tenure
“Leading Red Bull Racing has been an honour and privilege,” he said. “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.
“However for me 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.”
©RedBull
He also left behind a heartfelt message for those who will carry the torch forward:
“I wish Laurent, Max, Yuki (Tsunoda) and all of the Red Bull Technology Group the very best for the future.
“I am confident they will, as ever, deliver success on the track, for our fans, and continue to push to the maximum and I look forward to seeing the first Red Bull / Ford engine in the back of RB22 next year as well as the exciting RB17.
“Racing aside, I would also like to thank the shareholders, the late Dietrich Mateschitz for the opportunity he gave me as a 31 year old, Mark Mateschitz and Saravoot Yoovidyha and finally Chalerm and Daranee Yoovidhya for their friendship and commitment during my time at Red Bull as well as Oliver Mintzlaff and the board for their guidance.”
A Hefty Exit Package
Behind the carefully crafted farewells lies a financial agreement as dramatic as any F1 title fight. Horner had originally been owed more than £100 million on a contract stretching to 2030.
Instead, according to Sky Sports F1, he has accepted a reduced payout in the region of £75 million, or $100 million.
©X/PARoyalReporters
But crucially, the settlement clears the path for him to return to Formula 1 as early as the summer of 2026, therefore bypassing restrictive clauses that might have kept him sidelined longer.
It’s a golden handshake that reflects both his value to Red Bull and his eagerness to get back in the game.
What’s next
For now, Red Bull presses on under Laurent Mekies, already buoyed by a resurgence in results this season. Horner, meanwhile, exits the grid with his reputation intact and a war chest to plot his next move.
The F1 rumor mill is already in overdrive, with the Briton linked to teams like Alpine and Cadillac, though the latter firmly denied any interest in August.
The former Red Bull team principal’s next move is anyone’s guess. But if history is any guide, Formula 1 likely hasn’t seen the last of Christian Horner.
Read also: Marko reveals how Mekies is breathing new life into Red Bull
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