Christian Horner Reportedly Set to Receive Over $80 Million in Red Bull Exit Payout

Newsweek

11-07-2025

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Christian Horner could receive a massive payout of over $80 million (£60 million) from Red Bull following his sudden ousting on Wednesday. Red Bull didn't reveal the reason for parting ways with him, but announced that it was with immediate effect. Horner's original contract was reported to last until the end of 2030.
Horner served the Milton Keynes-based team for 20 years, a partnership that saw six Constructors' Championships and eight drivers' titles. His Red Bull exit came as a shock to the entire F1 community. Horner's leadership played a crucial role in elevating the team to the level where it could maintain its dominance over the field in the current ground effect era until last year.
A report from The Telegraph claimed that Horner was likely the highest-paid director, whose salary increased by eleven percent from 2022 to 2023. Based on this trajectory, Horner could be owed in excess of $80 million for the remaining five-year period of his contract. The report stated:
"Horner's contract is believed to run for another five-and-a-half years, until the end of 2030. The latest accounts for Red Bull Technology Ltd show the remuneration for its highest-paid director, understood to be Horner, rose from £8.04 million in 2022 to £8.92 million in 2023.
Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner in the garage during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone Circuit on July 5, 2025 in Northampton, United Kingdom.
Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner in the garage during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone Circuit on July 5, 2025 in Northampton, United Kingdom."That was an 11 per cent rise and cemented his status as the highest-paid team principal on the grid. But it is a salary that is almost certain to have risen again since then, with the team having won the drivers' title in 2024.
"If his lawyers push for his contract to be paid up in full, they could be looking at anywhere up to £60 million. And there may be other income streams or bonuses which would have been paid had Horner remained in position."
Horner reached Red Bull's factory at Milton Keynes yesterday following his exit announcement. Later in the day, he posted a farewell note on Instagram, revealing that he was proud of what his team achieved under his leadership. He said:
"After an incredible journey of twenty years together, it is with a heavy heart that today I say goodbye to the Team I have absolutely loved. Every one of you, the amazing people at the factory, have been the heart and soul of everything that we have achieved. Win and lose, every step of the way, we have stood by each other as one and I will never forget that. It's been a privilege being part of and leading this epic Team and I am so proud of our collective accomplishments and you all.
"Thanks to the amazing partners and fans who enabled us to go racing. Your support has helped grow the team from its humble beginnings to an F1 powerhouse that laid claim to 6 Constructors Championships and 8 Drivers' Championships.
"Equally, thank you to our rivals, with whom there would be no racing at all. You've pushed us, challenged us, and enabled us to achieve accolades we never dreamed possible. The competition has made every victory sweeter and every setback an opportunity to develop and grow.
"Formula 1 is a sport built on relentless ambition, passion, and respect. The rivalries have been fierce, but the mutual drive to innovate and raise the bar is what has made this journey so special.
"It's been an honour to be part of this incredible era of motorsport. I leave with immense pride in what we've achieved and also with what's in the pipeline for 2026 - and huge respect for everyone who's made F1 the pinnacle it is today. Thank You."