11/07/2025 18:10
Red Bull caused a stir in the F1 world earlier this week after
announcing the dismissal of Christian Horner following 20 years of
service. The Briton has been shown the exit doors after a turbulent
18 months on and off the track for Red Bull - but he technically
still remains employed by the company. With the Briton sitting as
one of the highest earners in the company, terms of his dismissal
still have to be worked out. Until that is sorted, he remains on
Red Bull's payroll. Various reports have suggested Horner had a
contract in place until 2030, which would have extended his stint
as Red Bull boss to 25 years. According to annual financial
reports, the 2023 documents - 2024's have not yet been published -
detail that Horner earned £7 million, not including bonuses. That
figure likely will have only increased in the last two years amid
Red Bull's continued run of title success with Max Verstappen. With
several years left on his contract, Horner's eventual earnings
could have reached the £40 million mark had the remaining term been
honoured. Horner has been one of the most animated characters in
the F1 paddock across the last 20 years and has no doubt been a
valuable asset for Red Bull. Aside from his unique personality that
made him a household name, Horner has overseen the development of
one of the sport's most successful teams. He has a lot to bring to
the negotiation table when he sits down for talks with Red Bull.
And it may not strictly be money-related. With 14 F1 titles and 124
grand prix wins under his belt as a team boss, there will be no
shortage of interest in his services. If he wants to return to the
grid soon, his gardening leave period could be central to the
talks. Article continues below the image. New team AND new role?
Earlier in the year, Horner was already being linked with a move
away from Red Bull, with Ferrari and Alpine touted as potential
destinations. At the time, Horner asserted he had absolutely no
interest in departing his position as Red Bull team principal. Now
however, Horner is on the outside looking in for a new position,
and there may well be opportunities coming his way. Rumours about
Red Bull in recent times suggested Horner was leaning towards a
role that would give him more control through a CEO-type situation,
or even as a potential co-owner. That door was firmly locked at Red
Bull - but could there be other options available to the Briton?
The biggest obstacle Horner will need to clear before he returns to
the sport is to carry out his gardening leave, a period of time
during which he will be restricted from working with a rival team.
With a huge shift in regulations coming next year, Red Bull would
absolutely be keen to avoid having Horner spill its secrets at a
rival squad in the coming months. All will be put on the
negotiation table, but what is certain is that the decision to sack
Horner will come at a monetary cost. For Red Bull, one of the
largest companies in the world, several tens of millions is no
small amount - but it is obviously a loss it feels can be absorbed.
