Christian Horner could receive more than £66 million following his sudden dismissal as Red Bull Racing team principal, with lawyers reportedly negotiating a full payout of his long-term contract.
Red Bull announced Horner’s removal on Wednesday after 20 years at the helm, but stopped short of providing a reason. According to Telegraph Sport, Horner’s lawyers are now working to secure compensation for the remaining five-and-a-half years of his multi-million-pound deal, which was due to run until 2030.
Horner signed a new contract in 2023 that increased his salary from $10.85 million to $12.05 million. With additional performance-related bonuses, including for Red Bull’s 2024 drivers’ title, estimates suggest his annual pay may have approached $16.2 million, putting a full payout in the $89 million range.
While no official reason has been given for Horner’s dismissal, former Haas F1 boss Guenther Steiner told talkSPORT that tensions with Max Verstappen’s father, Jos, likely influenced the decision.
“There was open criticism,” Steiner revealed. "Jos openly critiqued the management of Red Bull, mainly Christian, so we were all fully aware that the relationship wasn’t good. Max is the best driver at the moment and has got a big say in the team… for sure, that played a role in it.”
The Jos Verstappen factor
In March 2024, Verstappen Snr warned that Red Bull would “explode” if Horner remained in charge. Verstappen Jr., under contract until 2028, has so far refused to commit to completing the deal. He currently sits third in the standings, 69 points behind Oscar Piastri.
Horner’s exit follows a turbulent 17 months for the team. He was twice cleared after being accused of inappropriate behaviour by a female employee, but Red Bull has since struggled on and off track. The team is fourth in the constructors’ standings, and their second driver has scored only a fraction of Verstappen’s points.
“Max knows his value,” Steiner added. “You don’t give this power in a day. A driver like this grabs his power… and they cannot do it without him.”
Though removed from day-to-day duties, Horner remains employed and is expected to stay on gardening leave through the end of 2025. Ferrari have previously expressed interest in his services, but no move has been confirmed.
Steiner believes Horner may take time before considering a return: “He was there 20 years. I know how stressful it is to run a team. The last few years have been tough. He still gets paid, so he’s enjoying his gardening leave. He will not be desperate for a next job.” (Exchancge Rate £1.00 is US $1.35)
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