Horner departs with a record payout from Red Bull.

      "Leading Red Bull Racing has been an honour and privilege."

      23 September 2025 - 10:41

      Christian Horner’s two-decade leadership at Red Bull has officially concluded, with reports indicating that the 51-year-old has left with one of the most lucrative severance packages in Formula 1 history. After weeks of speculation, culminating in talks in the Baku paddock last weekend, the team announced on Monday that Horner’s contract, which was set to run until 2030, has been terminated by mutual agreement.

      "Leading Red Bull Racing has been an honour and privilege," Horner stated in the official announcement, reflecting on two decades that resulted in 6 constructors' titles, 8 drivers' titles, 124 victories, and 107 poles. "I’m extremely proud of what we have accomplished as a team. I wish Laurent, Max, Yuki, and everyone at the Red Bull Technology Group the best for the future."

      Red Bull executive Oliver Mintzlaff commented, "His relentless dedication, experience, expertise, and innovative ideas have been vital in making Red Bull Racing one of the most successful and appealing teams in Formula 1."

      The payout, however, has left the paddock in shock. Although the exact amount remains confidential, international media outlets have reported staggering figures. The Times estimated the severance at £80 million (EUR 93 million), Corriere della Sera cited EUR 80-100 million, Bild reported EUR 75 million based on his EUR 15 million annual salary, and Blick mentioned EUR 90 million, noting that the original contract could have netted him EUR 140 million by 2030. The BBC estimated the buyout at approximately EUR 60 million.

      Regardless of the exact figure, it surpasses earlier speculations of a $100 million deal and highlights the magnitude of the separation following months of turmoil triggered by Horner’s off-track scandal last year and a contentious internal power struggle. Bild reports that Horner has also agreed not to enter the paddock or take another F1 position until May 2026, while Corriere notes he has secured the right to return as early as mid-2026.

      Currently, there are no evident openings in the F1 paddock. Auto Motor und Sport reported that "no team has expressed interest" yet, while The Sun noted that Horner "is free to return to F1 as early as next year."