Christian Horner has formally ended his long association with Red Bull, finalizing a severance agreement after being dismissed as team principal earlier this summer.
The team confirmed his departure in a brief statement but did not disclose financial details. However, BBC Sport reported via a source close to the matter that Horner is believed to have received a severance package worth around €60m (£52m), one of the largest pay-offs in sports history.
Horner, 51, had been at the helm of Red Bull Racing since its entry into Formula 1 in 2005. Under his leadership, the team captured eight drivers’ championships and six constructors’ titles, establishing itself as one of the sport’s most dominant forces. His contract, reportedly worth €12m (£10m) annually, was due to run until 2030.
On 9 July, Red Bull announced Horner had been “released from his operational duties,” bringing an end to his tenure after a turbulent 18 months. His downfall began when allegations of sexual harassment surfaced in February 2024. Horner was cleared twice—first by an internal investigation led by a lawyer, and again when an appeal was dismissed by another legal review.
Despite being legally exonerated, the controversy exposed deep divisions within the Red Bull organization and coincided with a dip in performance on the track. The fallout ultimately resulted in his dismissal and now, his complete exit from the company.
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