Christian Horner has left Red Bull Racing, closing a remarkable 20-year chapter as one of Formula One’s most successful team principals. The announcement came on Monday, September 22, 2025, with British media reporting that Horner reached a settlement worth £80 million ($108 million).
In a statement, Red Bull Racing confirmed Horner’s departure but did not address financial details. The 51-year-old, who was ousted by the Austrian parent company on July 9, 2025, remained on the payroll until now. Leadership duties had already shifted to Laurent Mekies, the new team principal.
Horner joined Red Bull in 2005 and transformed the team into a Formula 1 powerhouse. Under his guidance, Red Bull won six Constructors’ Championships and seven Drivers’ Championships, with Max Verstappen’s four consecutive titles standing as the pinnacle of his success. Horner not only built a winning culture but also steered the team through controversies and intense rivalries.
Horner leaves Red Bull after reported 80 million-pound payoff https://t.co/pXqU7GJV9h https://t.co/pXqU7GJV9h
— Reuters (@Reuters) September 22, 2025If confirmed, the reported £80 million settlement recognises Horner’s long service and contributions to Red Bull’s dominance on the grid. The payout formally severs his ties with the team he helped shape over two decades. Horner is now free to explore new roles within Formula 1 or pursue opportunities outside the sport.
Horner’s exit sends ripples across the paddock. Few figures in modern F1 have defined a team’s identity as strongly as he did at Red Bull. The settlement underscores his importance and lasting influence. Fans, rivals, and industry insiders will watch closely to see what his next move will be.
Christian Horner’s Red Bull departure marks the end of an era but his 20-year legacy at the helm endures as one of Formula 1’s defining success stories.
