Christian Horner’s 20-year stint as Ream Bull team principal came to an end on Wednesday as he was sacked by the Formula One behemoths.
It has been an incredibly successful time for the team under Horner’s leadership, winning eight Drivers’ World Championship titles and six Constructors’ Championships since he took over in 2005.
He became embroiled in controversy last year when allegations were made of inappropriate behaviour towards a female colleague.
Horner was, however, cleared of all wrongdoing after internal investigations into the accusations.
The 51-year-old continued in his role at the head of Red Bull Racing and Max Verstappen won his fourth world title last year, but the performances of the team have dipped since then.
After 12 races this year, lead driver Verstappen has won just two and sits third in the drivers’ standings, behind McLaren paid Oscar Pisatri and Lando Norris.
Red Bull are down in fourth in the Constructors’ Championship standings, already nearly 300 points behind leaders McLaren.
How much did Christian Horner earn at Red Bull?
The Times reported in 2024 that Horner’s salary had increased from £8.04million in 2022 to £8.92million in 2023.
The same publication now reports that Horner’s contract with Red Bull was due to run until 2030 and was worth £12m a year.
Why has Christian Horner left Red Bull?
The statement from Red Bull gave little away, reading: ‘Red Bull has released Christian Horner from his operational duties with effect from today (Wednesday 9 July 2025) and has appointed Laurent Mekies as CEO of Red Bull Racing.’
Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull’s chief executive of corporate projects and investments, added: ‘We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years.
‘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 for ever remain an important part of our team history.’
Sky Sports report that not even Horner knows why the motivation for his release as he told Martin Brundle ‘no reason was given to him’ for the decision.
The BBC report that Horner’s sacking ‘follows months of declining form for the team and internal disputes at the highest level.’
His departure also comes amid speculation that Verstappen is set to leave Red Bull for Mercedes after talks were held over a blockbuster move for the world champion.
Whether Horner’s departure accelerates that possibility or improves Red Bull’s chances of keeping the Dutchman is yet to be seen.
