Christian Horner Receives Staggering Red Bull Payout as F1 Return Date Revealed

Christian Horner has officially left Red Bull following weeks of negotiations regarding a financial settlement.

The former Red Bull chief had been with the team since they were formed in 2005, and had signed a contract until 2030 prior to his dismissal in July.

Horner was not given an explanation for his sacking, however, it is largely believed that the 51-year-old was the collateral damage of a power struggle within the team.

Many had claimed world champion Max Verstappen was involved in the decision to remove Horner, however, the Dutchman insisted he had no role in his exit.

Horner was replaced by Laurent Mekies following the 2025 British Grand Prix, with the Frenchman winning his first two races for the team in the most recent rounds.

Mekies has performed a miraculous turnaround since taking the job, with Verstappen back in the hunt for a fifth consecutive driver's championship following recent errors from Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.

Christian Horner during his final Grand Prix for Red Bull (credit: getty)

£80 million Horner settlement allows for swift F1 return

It was initially stated that Horner would remain as part of the Red Bull team after being ‘relieved of operational duties’, however, according to The Daily Mail a settlement has now been reached to see Horner permanently depart.

According to the report, Horner will be paid a staggering £80 million package after a compromise was reached to terminate his £110 million contract.

It is also claimed that the settlement allows Horner to make a swift return to Formula 1 from next season, something that it is understood he is keen to do.

An official announcement from Red Bull confirming the exit is expected today.

The 51-year-old had been linked with a move to Ferrari during his final weeks at Red Bull due to a difficult season for the Scuderia under Fred Vasseur.

Horner had dismissed links at the time and insisted his full focus was on Red Bull, however, even with a newly renewed contract for Vasseur, Ferrari may look to make changes at the top if results don't improve.