Christian Horner Hired: I look forward to working together in the future and sharing my experience

Horner, who spent more than 20 years leading Red Bull Racing, will work with the private equity group as it expands its growing portfolio in premium sports businesses.

The move comes after Horner’s hugely successful spell in Formula 1 where he guided Red Bull to eigh Drivers’ Championships, six Constructors’ titles and 124 Grand Prix victories between 2005 and 2025.

During that period he also oversaw the creation of Red Bull Powertrains and Red Bull Advanced Technologies, while helping generate more than $3 billion in sponsorship and commercial revenue.

Oakley Capital founder and managing partner Peter Dubens explained why the company targeted Horner for the role: “Christian Horner is widely recognised as a highly successful leader in global sport. His track record, expertise and commercial instinct will be invaluable as we continue to scale our sports portfolio.

“We are increasingly drawn to businesses in this space that share the hallmarks of a typical Oakley investment: founder-led, high-growth and supported by resilient revenues, or under-commercialised ‘scarce’ assets with significant untapped potential.

“We look forward to working with Christian in order to unlock these opportunities," added Dubens, in a report posted on the Oakley Captal website.

Horner has remained one of the most influential figures in Formula 1 despite his departure from Red Bull, with his long tenure shaping the modern success of the energy drinks giant and transforming the team into one of the dominant forces of the hybrid era.

Now the 51 year old appears set to channel that experience into the business and investment world. Horner said: “Sports businesses are benefitting from growing global audiences and participation rates as more people embrace healthier, active lifestyles.

“I have known and respected Peter and the Oakley team for many years and have always admired their approach to building ambitious, founder-led businesses.

“Oakley Capital has established a strong reputation across the sports and consumer landscape and I look forward to working together in the future and sharing my experience to help support the next generation of standout sports businesses.”

Oakley already has several sports related investments including Athena Racing, now GB1, the Challenger of Record for the 38th America’s Cup, NOX padel, Vice Golf and North Sails.

Horner’s arrival signals the firm intends to become even more aggressive in the premium global sports market. Whether a Formula 1 project is on their horizon, remains to be seen. They do now have the ideal man to lead such a foray. A 12th F1 team?