Christian Horner was reportedly paid around £67 million by Red Bull after leaving his position as team principal, according to figures contained in the company’s latest accounts.
The payment was described in the accounts as compensation for loss of office and was disclosed in the directors’ remuneration section.
According to the reported figures, the payment was split roughly evenly between Red Bull’s parent company and the Formula 1 team.
Departure Followed 2024 Controversy
Horner left Red Bull in July 2025 after more than two decades at the helm of the team.
His departure came after a controversy involving allegations of inappropriate and coercive behaviour toward a female employee.
Horner has consistently denied the allegations and was cleared of wrongdoing in two internal Red Bull investigations.
The controversy intensified shortly before the 2024 Bahrain Grand Prix, when an email containing 79 screenshots of WhatsApp conversations allegedly involving Horner and the employee was distributed to figures across Formula 1.
Private Messages Were Sent to F1 Figures
The material was reportedly circulated to almost 200 people involved in the sport, including team principals, representatives of Liberty Media and members of the media.
The publication of the messages turned the internal dispute into one of the most prominent controversies surrounding Formula 1 in recent years.
Despite the allegations and the public release of the messages, Horner maintained that he had done nothing wrong.
Horner’s Red Bull Legacy
Horner had been Red Bull’s team principal since the team’s Formula 1 debut in 2005.
During his tenure, the team established itself as one of the sport’s leading constructors and won eight drivers’ championships and six constructors’ titles.
Red Bull achieved championship success during two particularly successful periods, first with Sebastian Vettel and later with Max Verstappen.
Horner was also the longest-serving team principal on the Formula 1 grid at the time of his departure.
Geri Halliwell Supported Her Husband
Horner’s wife, former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, publicly remained alongside him throughout the controversy.
The couple live in a property reportedly valued at around £9.2 million near the Oxfordshire-Northamptonshire border.
Horner was photographed and reported to have personally informed Halliwell about his departure from Red Bull.
Former Accuser Also Leaves Motor Racing Role
The controversy surrounding Horner has continued to generate developments beyond his departure.
Last month, reports emerged that the woman who had accused him of coercive behaviour had been released from a subsequent role in motor racing.
According to reports, she was informed that her services were no longer required shortly before a scheduled flight to Budapest.
Her then employer declined to comment on personnel matters.
It was reported that the role ended after her new manager, with whom she worked closely, lost confidence in her over concerns about discretion. The allegations and circumstances surrounding her departure have not been independently established in the material provided.
Horner Has Discussed a Potential Return
Since leaving Red Bull, Horner has been linked with a possible return to Formula 1.
The 52-year-old recently indicated that Ferrari would be his preferred destination if he were to return to team management.
Speaking to The Times, Horner described Ferrari as Formula 1’s biggest brand and said it represented his “dream” opportunity.
He also indicated that he would not necessarily want to return simply to occupy the same type of role he held at Red Bull for more than two decades.
Ferrari Backs Fred Vasseur
Speculation about Horner’s potential move to Ferrari has emerged alongside questions about the future of current Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur.
However, Ferrari has publicly sought to end the speculation.
The team’s chief communications officer, Maria Conti, told reporters that Ferrari had made its decision and retained full confidence in Vasseur and his team.
Her comments were intended to make clear that there had been no change in the team’s leadership plans.
Lewis Hamilton Has Backed Vasseur
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has also publicly backed Vasseur.
Hamilton described Vasseur as the right person to lead Ferrari amid speculation about the team principal’s position.
Hamilton joined Ferrari last season as the team attempted to challenge for another drivers’ world championship, but the team has continued to face questions about its competitiveness and leadership.
Horner’s Future Remains Uncertain
For now, Horner remains outside Formula 1 after leaving the organisation he led from its debut in 2005.
His record at Red Bull includes multiple championship successes and a significant role in the careers of drivers including Vettel and Verstappen.
The reported £67 million compensation payment adds another notable chapter to his departure, while his comments about Ferrari indicate that he has not ruled out a return to the sport.
Ferrari, however, has publicly reaffirmed its support for Vasseur, leaving Horner’s next move in Formula 1 uncertain.
