Longtime team principal exits after July sacking; free to return to F1 in 2026

Christian Horner has officially left Red Bull Racing after agreeing to a multi-million pound exit package, bringing an end to his 20-year tenure as team principal and chief executive of one of Formula 1’s most successful teams.

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Longtime team principal exits after July sacking; free to return to F1 in 2026 Red Bull Pays Tribute to Christian Horner Two Decades of Success Controversies and Challenges What’s Next for Horner?

Christian Horner was dismissed from his dual roles in July 2025 but remained under contract while negotiations continued over the terms of his departure. On Monday, Red Bull confirmed an agreement had been reached, with the 51-year-old accepting a settlement in the region of £75 million — significantly less than the £100m-plus he was owed on a contract that ran until 2030.

The deal paves the way for Horner to make a swift return to the sport, with Sky Sports F1 reporting that he will be eligible to join another team as soon as summer 2026.

Red Bull Pays Tribute to Christian Horner

Announcing the departure, Red Bull’s chief executive of corporate projects and investments, Oliver Mintzlaff, praised Christian Horner’s impact:

“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.”

Two Decades of Success

Christian Horner joined Red Bull in 2005 and guided the team through two dominant eras:

2010–2013: Four consecutive drivers’ and constructors’ championships with Sebastian Vettel.
2021–2024: Max Verstappen’s run of four straight drivers’ titles, alongside two constructors’ crowns.

Under Christian Horner’s leadership, Red Bull grew from a start-up team owned by an energy drinks company into one of the sport’s benchmark outfits, capable of consistently challenging and defeating traditional automotive giants like Ferrari and Mercedes.

Reflecting on his tenure, Christian Horner said:

“Leading Red Bull Racing has been an honour and privilege. 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.”

Controversies and Challenges

Horner’s final 18 months were turbulent both on and off the track.

In early 2024, allegations of inappropriate behaviour were made against him by a female colleague, though these were later dismissed after appeal. Horner denied the claims throughout.
During the same period, Red Bull lost high-profile figures, including legendary designer Adrian Newey (to Aston Martin) and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley (to Sauber).
On track, McLaren overtook Red Bull as the sport’s dominant force, leaving the Milton Keynes-based team struggling to maintain their previous edge.

Horner was ultimately replaced by Laurent Mekies, under whom Red Bull has since enjoyed a modest revival, with Verstappen securing podiums and wins late in the 2025 season.

What’s Next for Horner?

The exit agreement clears Horner to return to Formula 1 from mid-2026, coinciding with the sport’s new engine regulations and potential team shakeups.

He has already been linked with Alpine and the incoming Cadillac F1 project, though Cadillac dismissed the rumours earlier this year. Regardless, Horner remains one of the most experienced and marketable leaders in motorsport.

Closing his farewell statement, Horner expressed gratitude to Red Bull’s ownership and optimism for the team’s future:

“I wish Laurent, Max, Yuki and all of the Red Bull Technology Group the very best. I look forward to seeing the first Red Bull-Ford engine in the RB22 next year, and I will forever carry the pride of what we built together.”