Christian Horner’s glittering reign at Red Bull has officially come to an end after the team confirmed his departure, concluding weeks of tense negotiations with a multi-million-pound exit deal.
The settlement allows the 51-year-old to return to Formula One as early as next season.
Horner, who had been team principal since Red Bull’s debut in 2005, agreed to a reduced package compared with the full value of his contract, which was due to run until the end of 2030.
According to the Daily Mail, Horner prioritised the ability to make a swift comeback to the paddock rather than sit out several years on gardening leave.
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The announcement ends a turbulent 10-week period since Horner was “relieved of operational duties” following the British Grand Prix in July.
His exit closes a chapter of unprecedented success for Red Bull, with the Milton Keynes-based outfit winning six constructors’ titles and eight drivers’ championships under his leadership — first in the Sebastian Vettel era and later through Max Verstappen’s dominance.
Horner’s removal came amid a power struggle at the highest levels of Red Bull GmbH following the death of founder Dietrich Mateschitz in 2022.
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Christian Horner’s glittering reign at Red Bull has officially come to an end after the team confirmed his departure, concluding weeks of tense negotiations with a multi-million-pound exit deal
|PA
Without his most powerful backer, Horner found himself in a fight for influence with Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO of Corporate Projects and New Investments, as well as other figures within the Austrian arm of the company.
The tension reached its peak during a disastrous weekend at the team’s home race in Austria, where Verstappen retired after colliding with Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli and Yuki Tsunoda finished last.
Although Horner was twice cleared of allegations of coercive behaviour towards a female employee earlier in the year — accusations he strenuously denied — his position weakened in the aftermath of poor results and internal lobbying.
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Christian Horner oversaw great success at Red Bull during his time in charge prior to his dismissal in July
| GETTYCrucially, Chalerm Yoovidhya, Red Bull’s Thai co-owner and one of Horner’s staunchest supporters, eventually withdrew his backing after pressure from key figures including Helmut Marko and Jos Verstappen, father of the team’s star driver.
Jos had previously warned that Red Bull would “explode” if Horner remained in charge.
Horner, frequently seen in the paddock alongside wife Geri Halliwell, is believed to have been deeply disappointed by the manner of his departure but remains in close contact with members of the team.
He is expected to seek a new senior role within Formula One in the near future.
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| REUTERSIn his place, Laurent Mekies has stepped up from Red Bull’s junior team, Racing Bulls, to take over as team principal.
The French engineer, who previously worked at Ferrari and the FIA, was originally appointed to the Red Bull stable by Horner himself.
Red Bull have responded to the leadership change with strong results, with Verstappen securing victories in Monza and Azerbaijan in recent weeks, tightening his grip on another world title.
Speaking after his triumph in Baku, the Dutchman said: “This weekend has been incredible for us.
“For us to win here again is just fantastic and I think the car was working really well.
“I’m incredibly happy with this performance.”