Christian Horner has officially left Red Bull after agreeing to a severance deal following his sacking as team principal in July.
Idman.biz, citing BBC, reports that sources report he received €60m (£52m), one of the largest pay-outs in sports history. Horner, 51, had led Red Bull since its inception in 2005, guiding the team to eight drivers' championships and six constructors' titles, with an annual salary of €12m (£10m) and a contract until 2030.
His dismissal followed a turbulent 18 months marked by a sexual harassment allegation in February 2024, of which he was twice cleared. However, the controversy revealed internal power struggles, coinciding with Red Bull’s declining competitiveness. Key figures, including design chief Adrian Newey, sporting director Jonathan Wheatley, and head of strategy Will Courtenay, also departed, signaling instability.
Relations with major shareholders deteriorated amid poor results, particularly after the British Grand Prix. Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff thanked Horner for his “exceptional work,” while Horner described leading the team as “an honour and a privilege,” praising the talent he helped cultivate within the team.
This marks the end of an 18-year era that turned Red Bull into a dominant F1 force.
Idman.biz
