Croatia, yacht and serenity: Horner’s first holidays without Formula 1
It has been just over a month since the shocking announcement of the dismissal of Christian Horner from his role as CEO and Team Principal of Red Bull Racing. Since that moment, many different hypotheses and speculations have circulated regarding the reasons behind the split, while official statements have remained scarce. What is certain and undeniable, however, was the emotional farewell given by Christian Horner in front of the entire Red Bull Racing staff in Milton Keynes, the group of people with whom he spent many years and shared countless victories, championships, and unforgettable moments.
After that farewell video, Christian Horner chose to keep a very low profile. He limited his public appearances to just a handful of posts on social media, including a photo of a horseback ride, a picture of a sunset, and his attendance at the Oasis concert at Wembley. Now, however, he has been spotted enjoying a much more relaxed and tranquil holiday with his family in Croatia, appearing visibly calmer and at ease compared to the stressful months leading up to his exit.
According to reports from PlanetF1, an observant photographer in Croatia identified Horner’s wife, Geri Horner — the former Spice Girls star — on board the luxury yacht Sunseeker Majic, estimated to be worth around 10.5 million pounds. In images later published by the Croatian news outlet 24sata.hr, Christian Horner himself also appeared, confirming that he was spending his time off alongside his wife, his children, and a group of close friends. The group is currently sailing through the stunning Croatian coastline and exploring the Peljesac peninsula, a picturesque area located near Dubrovnik that has become increasingly popular among celebrities and wealthy travelers.
Lingering questions on severance package, gardening leave and contract status
Although it has been officially confirmed through documents filed with Companies House that Christian Horner was dismissed as a director, it remains uncertain whether he still retains some form of non-operational position within one of Red Bull’s many business structures. What is certain is that within Red Bull Racing, Horner no longer holds any administrative authority. That responsibility has instead been handed over to Stefan Salzer, the team’s former Head of Human Resources, and not to Laurent Mekies as was initially rumored.
This distinction is particularly significant in the context of Formula 1’s strict budget cap regulations. Depending on the financial settlement and the precise terms of Horner’s departure, the consequences for Red Bull’s financial balance sheet for the 2025 F1 season could be considerable. Negotiations over the severance package, the length of the so-called gardening leave, and the overall exit terms are believed to be part of an intense and delicate final round of discussions between Christian Horner and his former team.
For now, however, Horner is focusing entirely on enjoying his luxurious break, away from deadlines, paddock politics, and the relentless pressure of the championship. For the first time in decades, he is experiencing days of genuine peace and relaxation. A potential return to Formula 1 has been linked in recent months to the Cadillac project that aims to join the grid in the coming years. However, at this stage, such a comeback does not appear to be among his immediate priorities, as he seems intent on regaining balance and serenity before making any decisions about his professional future.
Leave a Reply