Christian Horner has left Red Bull Racing after 20 years as team principal with an £80 million settlement. The 51-year-old was relieved of his duties earlier this year following a period of growing tension within the team and declining on-track performance.
During his tenure since Red Bull's Formula 1 debut in 2005, Horner led the team to six Constructors' Championships. His departure marks the end of an era for the Milton Keynes-based outfit, which he transformed from F1 newcomers into championship contenders.
Settlement negotiations
The massive payout was negotiated after weeks of discussions, according to The Times. Horner was contracted to Red Bull until 2030, making him entitled to significant severance pay following his dismissal.
Metro reports the settlement was negotiated down from a potential £110 million to enable Horner's quicker return to Formula 1. The agreement includes gardening leave provisions, but Horner will be able to return to F1 in the first half of the 2026 season.
Future prospects
Horner has been linked with several teams including Alpine, Haas and 2026 newcomers Cadillac. Alpine have been touted as a leading destination due to his friendship with executive advisor Flavio Briatore.
However, Briatore denied any immediate plans. He said: "I'm not considering in this moment anything. Christian is not in F1 in this moment anymore. I hope he comes back soon, but for the moment he's not in the picture of Alpine."
Following his dismissal, Horner said it had been an "honour and privilege" to lead the team. He continued: "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."
Sources used: "PA Media", "The Times", "Metro" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
