Horner and Red Bull: $100M Deal Paves the Way for F1 Return

Christian Horner Could Return to Formula 1 in 2026

Sources close to the situation report that Christian Horner, former head and CEO of the Red Bull team, could return to Formula 1 as early as the spring of 2026. This is because he has finalized an economic agreement with Red Bull. Horner was “relieved of his operational duties” by Red Bull GmbH, the parent company of the energy drink brand, two days after the British Grand Prix in July, ending a 20-year career with the team that began from its creation in F1. His departure surprised many, as he had a contract until 2030. It is understood that Horner accepted a reduced payment compared to the total he would be entitled to under contract, allowing him to return to F1 in any capacity next spring. A source estimated the payment at around 100 million dollars.

Under Horner’s leadership, Red Bull won eight drivers’ championships and six constructors’ championships in two periods of dominance. On Monday, after the agreement, Red Bull confirmed that it is no longer part of the company. Oracle Red Bull Racing announces today that Team Principal and CEO, Christian Horner, will leave the team. Other sources had previously reported that Horner is interested in returning to the Formula 1 world as soon as possible. Before his departure, Horner had been linked with Ferrari, but the Italian team extended the contract of their boss Fred Vasseur. The F1 Cadillac team also ruled out a move for him.

In Red Bull’s statement, Horner added:

Leading Red Bull Racing has been an honor and a privilege. When we started in 2005, none of us could have imagined the journey that awaited us: the championships, the races, the people, the memories. I am incredibly proud of what we achieved as a team, breaking records and reaching heights that no one would believe possible, and I will always carry that with me.

Christian Horner

Horner was fired a year after keeping his position following an internal investigation into inappropriate sexual conduct stemming from accusations by a former Red Bull Racing employee. Laurent Mekies has taken over from Horner at Red Bull, which has just secured consecutive victories in the Italian and Azerbaijan Grand Prix.