Christian Horner faces a potential pay-off of up to £60million from Red Bull Racing following his unexpected dismissal on Wednesday after two decades leading the Milton Keynes-based team.
The 51-year-old was released from his operational duties but remains an employee whilst lawyers negotiate his settlement terms.
His contract reportedly runs until the end of 2030, spanning another five-and-a-half years.
Red Bull provided no reason for the dismissal, though it appears Horner lost a power struggle with the team's Austrian parent company, who sought greater control, and with Max Verstappen's father.
Christian Horner was brutally axed by Red Bull on Wednesday morning ReutersThe team faced losing their four-time world champion to a rival amidst deteriorating on-track performance and a toxic atmosphere behind the scenes.
Latest accounts for Red Bull Technology Ltd reveal the highest-paid director, understood to be Horner, earned £8.92 million in 2023, up from £8.04 million in 2022, as reported by The Telegraph.
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This 11 per cent increase confirmed his position as Formula One's highest-paid team principal, with his salary likely rising further following the team's 2024 drivers' championship victory.
Should his lawyers pursue full payment of his contract through 2030, the settlement could reach £60m.
Additional income streams and bonuses that would have been paid during his tenure may also factor into negotiations.
Red Bull's legal team will likely argue he could secure alternative employment, potentially reducing the final settlement figure.
During his tenure, Red Bull secured eight drivers' world championships, six constructors' titles and 124 race victories, nearly achieving a clean sweep of all races in 2023.
Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO Corporate Projects and Investments at Red Bull GmbH, praised Horner's contributions: "We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years.
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Red Bull bigwigs Helmut Marko and Oliver Mintzlaff made the decision to axe Christian Horner
GETTY"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 One."
Dr Helmut Marko, Red Bull's motorsport advisor, added: "Christian and I have worked together very successfully for over 20 years both in Formula 1 and in Formula 3000."
Several teams could pursue Horner given his track record, despite damage from last year's sexting scandal where he faced accusations of coercive behaviour from a female employee.
He was cleared by two investigations and always denied the allegations.
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Christian Horner lost his job at Red Bull after 20 years in the role of team principal but there could be interest in his services from other F1 teams
GETTYAlpine, led by Flavio Briatore with whom Horner maintains good relations, represents one possibility.
Aston Martin's owner Lawrence Stroll harbours fierce ambitions to lead the grid, whilst Ferrari have previously been linked with Horner as current team principal Fred Vasseur faces intense scrutiny in Italy.
Settlement terms will likely prevent him speaking to potential employers for a considerable period, with the final value yet to be determined.