This brings to a close a partnership that has written some of the most memorable pages in modern F1 history. Even before the summer break, the first act of this separation had already taken place: Horner was removed from his role on the Red Bull Racing pit wall, in a decision strongly driven by the Austrian parent company. He had been repositioned behind the scenes, awaiting the final chapter of his departure.
That conclusion has now arrived. Red Bull has confirmed that Horner has permanently left the organization, following an agreement between the two parties that includes a golden handshake covering the final five years of his contract, which had been set to run until 2030.
Christian Horner was not only the Team Principal of the Milton Keynes squad but also the figurehead of a vast network of companies tied to Red Bull’s Formula 1 operations. The Red Bull empire based in the United Kingdom consists of six entities, all of which Horner managed until his exit: Red Bull Racing, Red Bull Technology (responsible for technical development), Red Bull Powertrains, Red Bull Powertrains 2026, Red Bull Advanced Technologies, and Red Bull Advanced Services.
British corporate law requires companies to disclose the compensation of their highest-paid director. Although not officially confirmed, it was widely believed that Horner held that position across all six companies. In 2023, the figures were remarkable: £7 million at Red Bull Racing, £9.6 million at Red Bull Technology, and £4 million at Red Bull Advanced Technologies.
Therefore, the settlement agreed with Horner covers not only his role as Team Principal but also his responsibilities across the wider Red Bull group. While the exact numbers remain confidential, estimates suggest a total between 70 and 100 million dollars, spread over the next five years.
“Leading Red Bull Racing has been an honor and a privilege,” Horner said in the official farewell statement released by the team, which confirmed his definitive departure. Under his leadership, Red Bull achieved eight Formula 1 drivers’ championships, split equally between Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, as well as multiple constructors’ titles that cemented the team’s status at the top of the sport.
Horner reflected on the journey by pointing out that, when the adventure began in 2005, no one could have imagined the championships, victories, people, and memories that would follow. He emphasized his pride in building a winning team that broke records and achieved milestones that many considered impossible.
For Horner, the greatest achievement was not only the trophies but also assembling and leading a group of determined and talented individuals, transforming a team born from an energy drink company into one capable of beating the most iconic car manufacturers in Formula 1 history.
The man chosen to take over is Laurent Mekies, who steps up from Racing Bulls, where he had already served as Team Principal for a year and a half. Horner, in his parting words, wished Laurent Mekies, Max Verstappen, Yuki Tsunoda, and the entire Red Bull Technology Group the best for the future. He added that he looked forward to seeing the debut of the Red Bull-Ford power unit in the RB22 next season, as well as the highly anticipated RB17 hypercar project.
Beyond the leadership change, Red Bull has also restructured its management approach. With Horner gone, responsibilities are now more distributed. Mekies will focus almost entirely on team management, while other areas such as marketing have been brought under direct control of the company’s Austrian headquarters.
Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO of Corporate Projects and Investments at Red Bull and one of the main architects of this leadership change, publicly thanked Horner for two decades of dedication. He praised Horner’s relentless work ethic, expertise, and innovative mindset, which helped establish Red Bull Racing as one of the most successful and appealing teams in Formula 1.
With the negotiations now closed, Horner is free to evaluate his next moves. A return to Formula 1 remains possible, potentially from 2026, though it is not clear when – or if – he could join a rival team. Dan Towriss, CEO of Cadillac F1, already ruled out Horner’s involvement in the American team that will debut in Formula 1 next season. One of the possible options could be Alpine, with speculation about a role within the team and perhaps even acquiring a stake in the company.
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