Horner leaves Red Bull with $100M and aims to return to F1 in 2026

Christian Horner ready to return to Formula 1 in 2026

Sources close to the situation have revealed that Christian Horner could return to Formula 1 as early as the spring of 2026, after finalizing an economic agreement with Red Bull. Horner, who served as team principal and CEO, 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. This decision ended a 20-year career with the team, which began from its founding in F1. Horner’s dismissal surprised at the time, as he had a contract until 2030. It is understood that Horner accepted reduced compensation compared to the full payment of the contract, allowing him to return to F1 in any capacity from next spring. A source estimated the compensation at around 100 million dollars.

Bryn Lennon – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images Under Horner’s leadership, Red Bull conquered eight drivers’ championships and six constructors’ championships in two periods of dominance. On Monday, after the agreement, Red Bull confirmed its departure from the company. An official statement from Red Bull said: “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.

• Cadillac ruled out the possibility of hiring Horner.
• Toto Wolff admitted that he misses Horner.
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Before his dismissal, Horner was linked with Ferrari, but the Italian team extended the contract of its team principal, Fred Vasseur. The Cadillac F1 team also ruled out his hiring. More recently, Horner has been associated in reports with a possible consortium seeking to invest in a stake in the Alpine team’s ownership.

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“Leading Red Bull Racing has been an honor and a privilege,” Horner added in Red Bull’s statement.

Christian Horner

“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.” 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. This deepened the political divisions that followed the death of co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz in 2022. Horner also had a highly publicized clash with Jos Verstappen, Max’s father. The Verstappens are closely linked to Helmut Marko, Red Bull advisor. Laurent Mekies has taken over from Horner at Red Bull, which has just secured consecutive victories in the Italian and Azerbaijan Grand Prix.