After more than two decades at the helm of Red Bull Racing, Christian Horner has officially stepped away from the team.
The departure comes with a hefty reward—around £80 million—and with that, he’s free to finally take a long-dreamed-of road trip with his wife, Geri Halliwell.
Their first stop? The picturesque Isle of Skye in Scotland, a destination they’ve never visited but often heard glowing reviews about from friends.
Delayed Honeymoon, Ten Years in the Making
Though the Horners married back in 2015 in a star-studded ceremony in Bedfordshire, they never managed a proper honeymoon.
Horner’s relentless work schedule—delivering eight drivers’ championships and six constructors’ titles—kept him firmly tied to Formula One.
Now, ten years later, they’re calling this Scottish adventure their “honeymoon,” finally getting the chance to celebrate their marriage without the weight of racing commitments.
Walking Away from Red Bull
Leaving Red Bull wasn’t as simple as packing up an office.
Horner spent weeks negotiating the terms of his exit with Oliver Mintzlaff, the man now in charge of the team.
His contract had been set to run until 2030, and he could have pushed for a payout as high as £110 million.
Instead, he settled for less, ensuring he had the option to return to Formula One within the next nine months.
For Horner, freedom mattered more than money.
Missing the Track
Since stepping away, Horner has stayed in close contact with friends inside and outside the sport.
Yet the absence has been painful, especially when he missed this year’s Italian Grand Prix at Monza—an event he had attended for thirty years.
For someone used to plotting strategies over dinner with old colleagues like David Coulthard, watching from afar has been tough.
What Comes Next?
Horner is too young and too driven to simply retire.
Whispers in the paddock suggest Haas or Alpine could be possible destinations.
Others, including his longtime friend Bernie Ecclestone, have floated the idea of him running MotoGP, bringing his sharp management style to the world of two wheels.
Whatever the choice, Horner is determined not to rush and risk a wrong move.
A Reputation That Divides
Throughout his career, Horner’s directness, sharp wit, and occasional controversial remarks made him both admired and criticized.
But his track record of success speaks volumes, and in an increasingly cautious Formula One world, his presence added color and energy.
It’s little wonder that he remains highly sought after, despite the baggage of his Red Bull exit.
Geri’s Steadfast Support
Amid all the turbulence, one constant has been Geri.
Whether walking beside him through the paddock during last year’s storm of allegations—or simply standing by him at home—she has remained his strongest advocate.
Their family life, with their son Monty, has been a grounding force for Horner, especially as he navigates this major transition.
Red Bull Moving On
Interestingly, Red Bull has surged since his departure, with Max Verstappen picking up victories at Monza and Baku.
Some of those wins can still be traced back to Horner’s leadership, given that key performance updates were signed off before he stepped down.
It’s an ironic twist for a man whose fingerprints remain on the team’s success.
Watching the Future Unfold
Horner has expressed support for Laurent Mekies, the new team principal he once recruited.
Still, the idea that Mekies is now sitting in his old chair must be a strange adjustment.
As Verstappen chases another title, Horner might allow himself a bittersweet smile from the Scottish Highlands, knowing he laid much of the groundwork.
A Man Not Done Yet
For now, Christian Horner is enjoying a long-overdue honeymoon, but make no mistake—he isn’t done with motorsport.
He thrives on the adrenaline, the challenge, and the competition. The only question left is where his next chapter will begin.