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Christian Horner leaves Red Bull after leading them to eight drivers’ titles and six constructors’ championships, receiving a £80 million pay-off, ending his contract early.
Christian Horner (AP)
Christian Horner has officially departed from Red Bull after reportedly agreeing to a substantial pay-off with the Formula One team, as announced on Monday.
The 51-year-old, who led Red Bull to eight drivers’ titles and six constructors’ championships, was dismissed as team principal in July.
His contract, originally set to run until 2030, has now been terminated, allowing him to potentially return to the sport as early as next year.
British media reports suggest Horner will receive up to £80 million ($107 million) in the pay-off.
A statement from Red Bull Racing read: “Oracle Red Bull Racing announces today that team principal and CEO Christian Horner will leave the team today.”
‘Breaking Records And Reaching Heights’
Horner expressed that leading the team had 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,” he said.
“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 added.
Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO of corporate projects and investments, thanked Horner for his “exceptional work”.
“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,” he said.
“Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history,” he added.
Why Christian Horner Is Leaving Red Bull?
Horner was released from “operational duties” on July 9, 17 months after he was accused by a female colleague of “inappropriate behaviour”.
The Englishman was twice cleared of the claims by Red Bull GmbH, the parent company of the Formula One team, and his wife, former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, stood by him.
However, there were rumblings of discontent within the team, with several high-profile departures and a dip in track performance.
Dutchman Max Verstappen has won the past four drivers’ titles for Red Bull, matching the achievement of Sebastian Vettel, who dominated for the team from 2010 to 2013.
Verstappen, who won the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Sunday, is currently third in the standings this season.
(With inputs from AFP)
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin…Read More
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin… Read More
London, United Kingdom (UK)
September 22, 2025, 17:44 IST
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