The split dates back to July, but now Horner is officially out of the team: here’s the agreement.
After two decades at the helm of Red Bull Racing, Christian Horner is no longer part of the Milton Keynes outfit. The official announcement came today, months after he was replaced by Laurent Mekies in July.
Horner, who took charge in 2005, transformed a newly-born team into a motorsport powerhouse, collecting 6 Constructors’ Championships, 8 Drivers’ Championships, 124 victories, 287 podiums and 107 pole positions. The British team boss also oversaw the creation of Red Bull Advanced Technologies and Red Bull Powertrains, both considered “pillars of the brand’s future.”
Horner’s words
“Leading Red Bull Racing has been an honor and a privilege,” Horner said. “When we started in 2005, no one could have imagined the journey ahead: the championships, the victories, the memories. I’m incredibly proud of what we achieved as a team, but my greatest satisfaction has been building and guiding an extraordinary group of people, capable of beating the biggest car manufacturers in the world. I want to thank our sponsors, our partners, and especially the fans: without them, there would be no Formula 1.”
Interestingly, Horner did not mention Helmut Marko among his thank-yous, though he did refer to founder Dietrich Mateschitz and the current shareholders.
Red Bull’s statement
Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO Corporate Projects and Investments, paid tribute: “We thank Christian for his exceptional work over the last 20 years. With dedication, experience, and innovative vision, he was key in making Red Bull Racing one of the most successful and captivating teams in Formula 1. He will forever be part of our history.”
The $100 million settlement
According to PlanetF1, the split came with an out-of-court settlement worth around $100 million. The deal comes more than two months after Horner was relieved of his duties, shortly after the British Grand Prix, and removed from official records of companies tied to the team.
Finally, Horner will be free to sign with another Formula 1 team starting mid-2026 — in just under a year’s time.
