11/07/2025 12:55
In front of an audience of Red Bull staff at the Milton Keynes
factory earlier this week, Christian Horner bid an emotional
farewell to the team. During his final message, Horner said: "I
will still remain employed by the company, but operationally, the
baton will be handed over." Laurent Mekies has since been confirmed
as the Briton's replacement at Red Bull, with the Frenchman
stepping up following 18 months in charge at the Racing Bulls
squad. But the Horner line regarding his continued links with Red
Bull sparked questions over the 51-year-old's position within the
team - while he is no longer its day-to-day leader, could he go
back to work in another role? The answer is no - Horner's services
are no longer needed at Red Bull as the team is looking to a new
direction going forward. But on paper, Horner has been put on paid
leave. He still had several years left on his contract prior to his
dismissal, creating a trivial situation for Red Bull. Horner's exit
has additional complications given the huge success he oversaw as
team principal. Eight drivers' titles, six constructors'
championships and 124 grand prix wins position him as one of the
most successful team bosses of all time. As he is the highest-paid
team member aside from Max Verstappen, a basic handshake and
severance pay will not suffice. The core issue at the heart of
those talks will be the terms of Horner's exit and the likely
substantial sum that will need to be paid to cancel his contract.
Horner could also put his own demands on the table, should he so
desire. Hypothetically, this could include shortening the length of
his gardening leave, allowing him to make a swift transfer to
another team. Until those terms are negotiated, Horner will remain
on the payroll and thus likely continue to be paid according to his
contract.
