Christian Horner leaves Red Bull with $107m payoff after July sacking over internal turmoil

Christian Horner has officially severed ties with Red Bull Racing, ending a 19-year reign as team principal with a reported $107 million payoff. The Formula One giant confirmed his departure on Monday, bringing to a close one of the most successful yet turbulent leadership eras in the sport.

Horner, 51, took charge of the newly formed Red Bull team in 2005 and went on to guide it to eight drivers’ championships and six constructors’ crowns. He was instrumental in shaping the team into a dominant force, overseeing title-winning eras led by Sebastian Vettel between 2010 and 2013 and Max Verstappen’s four consecutive triumphs from 2021 to 2024.

The team announced the decision with a brief statement: “Oracle Red Bull Racing announces today that team principal and CEO Christian Horner will leave the team today.” His contract had been due to run until 2030, but the early exit now clears the path for Horner to potentially return to Formula One with another team as soon as next year.

Reports in the British media suggest Horner’s payoff could be worth up to $107 million, reflecting both the value of his contract and the scale of his influence at the heart of Red Bull’s success.

For Horner, the departure marks the end of what he described as an “honour and privilege.” Reflecting on his time in charge, he said: “When we started in 2005, none of us could have imagined the journey ahead – the championships, the races, the people, the memories. I’m incredibly proud of what we achieved as a team, breaking records and reaching heights no one would ever believe were possible, and I will forever carry that with me.”

Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO of corporate projects and investments at Red Bull, paid tribute to Horner’s role in building one of motorsport’s modern dynasties. “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 formal exit comes more than two months after he was removed from operational duties on July 9. The move followed a long-running controversy sparked by accusations of “inappropriate behaviour” made by a female colleague. Although he was cleared twice by Red Bull’s parent company, Red Bull GmbH, internal unrest persisted, with tensions inside the camp contributing to high-profile staff departures and a noticeable dip in performance.

Despite the off-track turbulence, Red Bull’s star driver Max Verstappen has continued to deliver victories. The Dutchman, who matched Vettel’s haul of four drivers’ titles with his win streak, added another triumph at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Sunday. Yet he sits only third in this year’s standings, reflecting the team’s relative decline compared with its dominance of recent seasons.

Horner’s departure marks a dramatic fall for one of Formula One’s most recognisable figures. Known for his sharp tactical mind and fiery rivalries with other team principals, he became a fixture of the modern sport. His partnership with Verstappen was central to Red Bull’s resurgence in the turbo-hybrid era, while his reputation as a paddock operator was both admired and controversial.

What comes next for Horner remains unclear. His multimillion-dollar payoff ensures financial security, and speculation has already begun over whether he could resurface at another team eager to tap into his track record. For now, his exit closes a chapter that defined Red Bull’s rise and shaped Formula One for nearly two decades.