Ex-Red Bull boss Horner can return to F1 after settlement that could hit $163 million

Red Bull Racing and former team principal Christian Horner have finalised a contract termination agreement that frees him up to return to Formula 1.

In addition to being the F1 team boss, Horner was in charge of Red Bull’s Powertrains company and Red Bull Applied Technologies, and his contract ran into the 2030s, making the settlement likely to be worth several tens of millions of dollars and potentially as much as $163.7 million (£80 million), according to the London Telegraph.

Horner was officially terminated on August 13 after being dismissed by the team’s parent company, Red Bull GmbH, following July’s British Grand Prix.

“We would like to thank Christian for his exceptional work over the last 20 years,” Red Bull CEO, corporate projects and investments, Oliver Mintzlaff said in a statement.

“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.”

Horner said leading Red Bull had been an “honour and a privilege”.

Former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner.Credit: Getty Images

“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.”

Horner, 51, was the head of a racing team with 124 grand prix wins, eight driver titles – four by Max Verstappen and four for Sebastian Vettel – and six constructors’ titles.

Geri Halliwell and Christian Horner at the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2024.Credit: Getty

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No official reason was given for Horner’s dismissal at the time, but the team was struggling to keep up with McLaren in the standings as questions arose about the future of Verstappen and rumours swirled about a power struggle between Horner and some other senior leaders at Red Bull.

Additionally, Horner – who is married to Geri Halliwell of Spice Girls fame – has been embroiled in scandal over inappropriate behaviour with a female colleague multiple times, allegations he has denied.

With the settlement reached, Horner is now free to return to F1 though it is unclear where he might end up. He was unable to discuss his future publicly while the settlement negotiations with Red Bull were ongoing.

Reuters

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