After more than 20 years at Red Bull, Christian Horner is finally taking a breather.
The Formula One team principal has finalized his exit from the team, reportedly walking away with a severance package of around £80 million, and is now ready to enjoy a long-planned road trip around Scotland with his wife, pop star Geri Halliwell.
The couple’s trip marks a kind of delayed honeymoon, a decade after their wedding in Woburn, Bedfordshire, which was attended by racing legends Sir Jackie Stewart and Niki Lauda, as well as Halliwell’s celebrity friends, including Emma Bunton, Dawn French, and Jennifer Saunders.
Skye Beckons After Years of Racing Commitments
Horner’s work with Red Bull, which included winning eight drivers’ titles and six constructors’ championships, had previously prevented a proper honeymoon celebration.
The couple chose the Isle of Skye, inspired by glowing recommendations from former Red Bull driver Mark Webber and his partner Ann Neal.
However, the Horners’ preparations were delayed as Horner spent recent weeks negotiating his release from the team he had led through two dominant eras—first with Sebastian Vettel, then Max Verstappen, who has four titles so far.
Negotiating a Flexible Exit
Horner’s discussions with Red Bull boss Oliver Mintzlaff secured not just a generous severance, but also the freedom to return to Formula One within nine months if he chooses.
While his contract theoretically could have earned him up to £110 million, taking that larger payout would have restricted his ability to re-enter the sport quickly.
A source told Daily Mail Sport:
“He did not want that. He wants the freedom to return ASAP. He is missing it a lot.”
Horner has remained in regular contact with friends and colleagues within F1, even attending race weekends from the sidelines, though missing highlights like the Italian Grand Prix at Monza—a personal favorite.
Considering Future Opportunities
Now out of Red Bull, Horner is weighing his next move carefully. Potential options include:
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Taking an equity stake in a team to have full control
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Joining Haas in the American F1 outfit
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Exploring Alpine with connections through old friend Flavio Briatore
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Even branching into MotoGP, as suggested privately by Bernie Ecclestone
Friends say Horner is too focused to rush into a decision.
“He is a workaholic, and sitting idle isn’t his style,” one insider explained.
Red Bull Continues to Succeed Without Him
Ironically, Red Bull has enjoyed recent victories for Verstappen at Monza and in Baku, using setups finalized during Horner’s tenure.
Despite being relieved of operational duties on July 9, his influence on the team’s ongoing success is still evident.
Geri Halliwell Remains a Steadfast Support
Horner’s wife, Geri, has been unwaveringly supportive throughout the years, including during controversies he faced and was cleared of internally.
Alongside Horner’s parents, Garry and Sara, she continues to be a key figure in his personal and professional life, and a devoted mother to their eight-year-old son, Monty.
A Future Back in Formula One?
While Horner enjoys Scotland and a well-earned break, the F1 world speculates on his inevitable return.
Whether it’s a team leadership role, a managerial position in MotoGP, or an entirely new venture, insiders agree that his talent, track record, and personality make him a sought-after figure in motorsport—even with the baggage of a high-profile exit from Red Bull.
As for Horner, he’s taking a moment to recharge in Skye, ready to plot his next move with the same strategic mind that guided Red Bull to its modern dominance.