Revealed: The Compensation Christian Horner Received From Red Bull After His Shocking Sudden Dismissal That Stunned The Entire F1 World — A Payout Far From Justified For A Team Principal Earning £12 Million A Year And Devoted Two Decades To The Team

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 world, Christian Horner, the long-serving team principal of Red Bull Racing, was sacked with immediate effect on July 9, 2025, after an illustrious 20-year tenure. The 51-year-old, who has been a cornerstone of Red Bull’s dominance in the sport, was dismissed amid a backdrop of declining team performance and lingering controversy from a 2024 sexting scandal. Despite his monumental contributions to the team, the reported compensation package for Horner’s departure has raised eyebrows, with many questioning whether it adequately reflects his £12 million-a-year salary and two decades of service.

Horner’s journey with Red Bull began in 2005 when the energy drink giant entered Formula 1 as a constructor. Under his leadership, Red Bull transformed from a midfield outfit into a juggernaut, securing eight drivers’ championships and six constructors’ titles. The team’s golden eras—first with Sebastian Vettel’s four consecutive titles from 2010 to 2013, and later with Max Verstappen’s four straight championships from 2021 to 2024—cemented Horner’s reputation as one of F1’s most successful team principals. His strategic acumen, innovative thinking, and ability to manage high-profile talent made Red Bull a powerhouse, consistently challenging the likes of Ferrari, Mercedes, and McLaren.

Red Bull’s managing director, Oliver Mintzlaff, acknowledged Horner’s contributions in a statement: “We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years. With his tireless commitment, experience, expertise, and innovative thinking, he has been instrumental in establishing Red Bull Racing as one of the most successful and attractive teams in Formula 1. Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history.”

Horner’s dismissal comes 17 months after a highly publicized scandal in February 2024, when a female colleague accused him of inappropriate behavior, including allegations of sexual harassment and coercive conduct. Red Bull GmbH, the team’s parent company, launched an independent investigation led by an external barrister, which cleared Horner of any wrongdoing. An appeal by the complainant was also dismissed in August 2024, with Red Bull GmbH stating that “all stages of the appeal process have now been concluded, with the final outcome that the appeal is not upheld.”

Despite being exonerated, the saga exposed rifts within Red Bull. The complainant was suspended with pay in March 2024, a move that sparked further controversy. Reports also surfaced of a power struggle within the organization, with Horner aligning himself with the Thai majority shareholders, led by Chalerm Yoovidhya, to secure his position against Austrian stakeholders and Red Bull’s sports director, Oliver Mintzlaff. Additionally, Jos Verstappen, father of star driver Max Verstappen, publicly called for Horner’s exit, warning that the team risked being “torn apart” if he remained.

The 2025 season has been a challenging one for Red Bull. After years of dominance, the team has struggled to keep pace with McLaren, who have surged ahead in the Constructors’ Championship by a staggering 288 points. Max Verstappen, despite his individual brilliance, has won only two races this season, a stark contrast to his previous seasons of relentless success. The team’s decline began in mid-2024, with Verstappen securing just two victories in the final 14 races of that season.

Speculation about Horner’s future intensified in May 2025, when Italian outlet Autosprint reported that his position could hinge on the success of a critical upgrade package at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. The upgrades failed to deliver, and Red Bull’s third-place standing in the Constructors’ Championship fueled calls for change. The departure of key figures like designer Adrian Newey to Aston Martin and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley to Sauber further destabilized the team, increasing scrutiny on Horner’s leadership.

Following his dismissal, reports have emerged that Horner received a compensation package of approximately £1.5 million from Red Bull GmbH. While this figure may seem substantial to the average observer, it has been deemed surprisingly modest in the context of Horner’s £12 million annual salary and his 20-year tenure. For a team principal who has delivered unparalleled success, the payout represents just over one year’s earnings, a sum that many in the F1 paddock argue does not reflect his contributions or the financial might of Red Bull’s parent company.

Sources close to the negotiations suggest that the compensation was structured to cover the remainder of Horner’s contract, which was set to run through the 2026 season, with additional considerations for his long-term service. However, unlike other high-profile exits in F1, such as Ron Dennis’s departure from McLaren in 2017, which reportedly included a £35 million payout, Horner’s settlement appears conservative. The relatively modest sum has sparked debate about whether Red Bull’s Thai and Austrian shareholders, who jointly made the decision to sack Horner, sought to limit costs amid the team’s recent struggles.

Critics argue that the payout fails to account for Horner’s role in building Red Bull’s brand and global appeal. Beyond his on-track achievements, Horner’s charisma and media presence—bolstered by his marriage to former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell—made him a central figure in F1’s narrative, particularly in the Netflix series Drive to Survive. His departure marks the end of an era, and many fans believe the compensation should have reflected his broader impact on the sport.

Red Bull has appointed Laurent Mekies, previously the team principal of Racing Bulls (VCARB), as the new CEO of Red Bull Racing. Mekies, who has a strong technical background and experience with Ferrari, will lead the team starting at the Belgian Grand Prix on July 27, 2025. His appointment signals a shift toward a more corporate structure, with Mintzlaff expected to exert greater control over the F1 program.

Mekies inherits a team at a crossroads. With Max Verstappen’s future uncertain—rumors of a potential move to Mercedes or Aston Martin continue to swirl—and Red Bull’s performance lagging, the new CEO faces immense pressure to restore the team’s competitive edge.

Horner’s sacking has left the F1 community speculating about his next move. At 51, he remains a highly sought-after figure, with his track record and leadership skills making him a prime candidate for roles at rival teams or within F1’s governing bodies. Some have even suggested a potential move into motorsport media or a return to team management in a different series. However, Horner has remained tight-lipped, with no public statements since his dismissal.

Christian Horner’s abrupt exit from Red Bull Racing marks the end of a storied chapter in Formula 1. His £1.5 million compensation package, while significant, has sparked debate about whether it truly reflects his contributions over two decades. As Red Bull navigates a new era under Laurent Mekies, the sport will watch closely to see how the team adapts and whether Horner reemerges in a new role. For now, the F1 world remains stunned by the sudden fall of one of its most iconic figures.