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Red Bull Confirm Christian Horner’s Departure After 20 Years in Shock Announcement
Red Bull have officially confirmed the departure of long-time Formula 1 team boss Christian Horner, ending a two-decade partnership that shaped one of the sport’s most successful modern dynasties.
Although Horner was removed from his role as Red Bull Racing’s team principal back in July, he technically remained employed by the company until now. In a statement released by Red Bull’s head of corporate projects and investments, Oliver Mintzlaff, the Austrian energy drinks giant confirmed that Horner’s tenure has formally come to an end after a multi-million pound settlement.
“Oracle Red Bull Racing announces today that Team Principal and CEO Christian Horner will leave the team,” the statement read. Mintzlaff praised Horner’s impact on the organisation, saying: “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. Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history.”
Horner’s exit was accompanied by reports from The Times claiming the 51-year-old had negotiated a settlement worth more than £80 million. The deal is said to cover not only his contract termination but also a lengthy period of gardening leave, which could allow Horner to re-emerge with a rival team as soon as mid-2026.
The Briton had originally been contracted with Red Bull until 2030, reflecting the organisation’s trust in his leadership. However, a dip in the team’s performance combined with Max Verstappen’s absence from the 2025 championship fight created internal pressures that ultimately triggered a shake-up in senior management. Laurent Mekies, previously head of Red Bull’s sister squad Racing Bulls, has already stepped into Horner’s former position.
Despite the acrimonious circumstances of his departure, Horner leaves behind an extraordinary legacy. Since joining Red Bull in 2005 as the youngest team principal in F1 history at the age of 31, he oversaw an era that delivered six constructors’ championships and eight drivers’ crowns, most notably through Sebastian Vettel’s four consecutive titles from 2010 to 2013 and Verstappen’s dominant run from 2021 to 2024.
In his own farewell statement, Horner reflected on his achievements and expressed gratitude to those he worked alongside. “Leading Red Bull Racing has been an honour and a privilege,” he said. “I’m incredibly proud of what we achieved together, breaking records and reaching heights no one would have thought possible. For me, the greatest satisfaction has been assembling and guiding such a talented group of individuals and seeing them flourish.”
Horner also looked ahead with optimism for the team’s future, wishing Mekies, Verstappen, Yuki Tsunoda, and the wider Red Bull Technology Group well. He highlighted his excitement at seeing the first Red Bull-Ford engine in action next season, as well as the launch of the highly anticipated RB17 hypercar project.
The outgoing boss went on to thank Red Bull’s sponsors, shareholders, and fans for their unwavering support. He paid tribute to the late Dietrich Mateschitz, the visionary behind Red Bull’s F1 entry, along with current stakeholders Mark Mateschitz, Saravoot Yoovidhya, Chalerm Yoovidhya, and Daranee Yoovidhya, as well as Mintzlaff and the company board.
“I will forever carry with me the pride of seeing a drinks company take on and beat some of the biggest automotive names in the world,” Horner concluded.
With Horner gone, Red Bull embark on a new chapter under Mekies’ leadership. Yet the shadow of Horner’s legacy—and speculation over his next move—will continue to loom large over the paddock in the seasons ahead.
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