Christian Horner has officially left Red Bull after nearly 20 years at the helm, agreeing an £80m settlement that ends his tenure as team principal and paves the way for a possible return to Formula One in 2025.
The 51-year-old, who was placed on gardening leave after the British Grand Prix in July, departs following weeks of negotiations. He had originally been due to receive £110m if his contract, which ran until 2030, was paid out in full, but that would have delayed his return to the sport.
Horner’s departure closes a chapter in which Red Bull won eight drivers’ championships and six constructors’ titles, first with Sebastian Vettel and later with Max Verstappen. He was a central figure in Red Bull’s rise since joining the grid in 2005 and was a familiar presence in the paddock alongside his wife, Geri Halliwell.
His dismissal followed internal power struggles at the Austrian parent company, Red Bull GmbH, particularly after the death of founder Dietrich Mateschitz in 2022. While Thai co-owner Chalerm Yoovidhya had supported Horner during previous challenges, he withdrew backing in July following pressure from senior figures including Helmut Marko and Jos Verstappen.
Horner had also faced allegations of inappropriate conduct in early 2024. Twice cleared in internal hearings, he denied any wrongdoing and received public support from his wife during that period.
Laurent Mekies, promoted from Red Bull’s junior outfit Racing Bulls, has now taken Horner’s position. Under his leadership, Red Bull has returned to winning form, with Verstappen taking recent victories in Monza and Baku.
Despite his abrupt exit, Horner is expected to remain a figure in Formula One, with the settlement allowing him to pursue future opportunities from next season.