As of today, Christian Horner has officially left Red Bull Racing, after agreeing to a settlement of £80 million.
The partnership between Christian Horner and Red Bull Racing had spanned 20 years. It encompassed eight Drivers’ Championships and six Constructors’ Championships. Their joint success had made and broken records, and they were extremely successful.
On July 8, 2025, Red Bull Racing announced that it was parting ways with Christian Horner. The team decided to relieve him of his role after the British GP. They immediately removed him as Team Principal and CFO.
But it isn’t until today, September 22nd, that they officially part ways. The team continued to list Horner as a member of staff while negotiations were ongoing. Today’s announcement brings an official end to the long-standing partnership.
Horner and Red Bull Racing agree a settlement
At the time, Horner still had over five years left on his contract, lasting until 2030. If paid in full, the settlement is estimated to be worth over £100 million.
The exact details of the settlement are not public knowledge. However, Pit Debrief understands that the agreed sum was £80 million. This is thought to be a compromise between the two parties.
Observers suspect that Horner accepted the reduced settlement to return to the world of Formula 1 sooner. Whilst details are unknown, this may be as soon as 2026. Whilst we will not see him return to Red Bull, he may join another team on the grid. With his years of experience running a championship-winning team, he will be a valuable asset to any team.
A final farewell
With the deal done, Christian Horner has said his final goodbyes to the Milton Keynes team. Red Bull Racing released a final farewell message from their former Team Principal.
“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.
“I wish Laurent, Max, Yuki 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.
“I would like to thank our incredible sponsors and partners for their unwavering support who have played a key role in all our success. I would like to say a big thank you to the fans for their ongoing belief and without whom there would be no Formula One. 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 Yoovidhya 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.”
