Christian Horner formally leaves Red Bull with large pay-off

Christian Horner has officially left Red Bull after agreeing what is understood to be a multimillion pound settlement. The former team principal was relieved of “operational duties” by Red Bull GmbH, the energy drinks’ parent company, after July’s British Grand Prix. His contract was due to run until 2030 and the 51-year-old is free to return to the sport, potentially as soon as next year.

Red Bull did not confirm the nature of any financial settlement although reports suggested figures varying from £52m to more than £80m.

Horner oversaw a period of extraordinary success during his 20-year career with the team, winning eight drivers’ and six constructors’ titles. He has been linked with a return to F1 since his removal from Red Bull, with Cadillac – joining the grid as the 11th team next season – recently ruling out a move for him.

Horner said: “Leading Red Bull Racing has been an honour and privilege. When we started in 2005, none of us could have imagined the journey ahead – the championships, the races, the people, the memories. 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 for ever carry that with me.

“However, for me, my biggest satisfaction has been assembling and leading the most amazing group of talented and driven individuals and seeing them flourish as a subsidiary of an energy drinks company and seeing them take on and beat some of the biggest automotive brands in the world.”

The decision to relieve Horner of operational duties in July came 17 months after he was accused of “inappropriate behaviour” by a female colleague. At last year’s season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, Horner was cleared of wrongdoing after an internal investigation, only for hundreds of WhatsApp messages – appearing to be exchanged between Horner and the complainant – to be leaked.

Horner, who is married to the former Spice Girls singer Geri Horner, managed to keep the Red Bull hierarchy on side and fought on. He always denied the claims and was exonerated for a second time of controlling behaviour by an independent KC last August.