Red Bull
Christian Horner has officially parted company with Red Bull Racing, bringing to a close a remarkable two-decade tenure that transformed the team into a Formula 1 powerhouse.
Horner was released from his operational duties as team principal and CEO in July, when he was replaced by Laurent Mekies.
However, while the conditions for his exit were negotiated, Horner technically remained an employee of Red Bull.
On Monday, the energy drinks giant announced that Horner was officially leaving.
No details of their settlement were revealed, although some reports suggest it involves a payout of up to £80m and that it will allow Horner to return to F1 as early as 2026 should he want to.
Max Verstappen’s push for a more driver-led set-up has reshaped Red Bull’s approach and sparked a return to winning form, as seen in the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix
In his statement, Horner reflected on his time at the team, saying: “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.
“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.”
He added: “I wish Laurent, Max, Yuki and all of the Red Bull Technology Group the very best for the future.
“I’m incredibly proud of what we achieved as a team”
“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.”
Under Horner’s leadership, Red Bull claimed six constructors’ and eight drivers’ championships, 124 grand prix victories, 287 podiums, and 107 pole positions.
Beyond the track, he oversaw the creation of Red Bull Powertrains and the expansion of Red Bull Advanced Technologies.
Red Bull boss Oliver Mintzlaff paid tribute to Horner’s influence on the team, describing him as “instrumental in establishing Red Bull Racing as one of the most successful and attractive teams in Formula 1” and thanking him for his “tireless commitment, experience, expertise and innovative thinking.”
Max Verstappen’s push for a more driver-led set-up has reshaped Red Bull’s approach and sparked a return to winning form, as seen in the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix
With the sudden departure of Horner, Red Bull faces a pivotal crossroads as it navigates the future of its Formula 1 team and leadership
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