Christian Horner has formally left Pink Bull after agreeing a multi-million pound exit bundle that can permit him to make a swift return to Formulation 1.
Horner was sacked in July from his twin roles as Pink Bull Racing workforce principal and chief govt after 20 years in command of one of many sport’s most profitable outfits.
Nevertheless, till now, he had remained formally employed by Pink Bull as negotiations have been held over the phrases of his exit, with the Brit nonetheless having been owed greater than £100m from a contract that had been on account of run till the tip of 2030.
Pink Bull introduced on Monday they’d reached an settlement for Horner to depart, with Sky Sports activities F1 understanding that the 51-year-old took a diminished pay-out within the area of £75m to make sure he will likely be allowed to return to the game as quickly because the summer time of 2026.
Pink Bull chief govt of company tasks and investments, Oliver Mintzlaff, stated: “We wish to thank Christian for his distinctive work over the past 20 years.
“Together with his tireless dedication, expertise, experience and progressive pondering, he has been instrumental in establishing Pink Bull Racing as probably the most profitable and enticing groups in Formulation 1.
“Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history.”
Horner oversaw two intervals of dominance by Pink Bull in Formulation 1, with Sebastian Vettel and the workforce successful 4 consecutive drivers’ and constructors’ championships from 2010-2013 and Max Verstappen successful the final 4 drivers’ championships from 2021-2024. Pink Bull have been additionally constructors’ champions in 2022 and 2023.
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Following his sacking, Horner gave an emotional goodbye to the Pink Bull workers and says it was the most important privilege of his life
Horner stated: “Leading Red Bull Racing has been an honour and privilege. When we started in 2005, none of us could have imagined the journey ahead – the championships, the races, the people, the memories. I’m incredibly proud of what we achieved as a team breaking records and reaching heights no-one would ever believe were possible and I will forever carry that with me.
“Nevertheless for me my greatest satisfaction has been assembling and main essentially the most superb group of proficient and pushed people and seeing them flourish as a subsidiary of an power drinks firm and seeing them tackle and beat a number of the greatest automotive manufacturers on the planet.”
Horner confronted a turbulent final 18 months within the job each on and off the monitor.
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Relive the highs and lows of Horner’s time as Pink Bull workforce principal
Allegations of inappropriate behaviour made towards him in February 2024 by a feminine colleague have been dismissed following an enchantment final summer time. Horner denied the accusations all through.
McLaren overtook Pink Bull because the dominant workforce in F1 whereas a number of high-profile figures left the Milton Keynes squad throughout the ultimate 18 months of Horner’s tenure, together with legendary designer Adrian Newey shifting to Aston Martin and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley to Sauber.
Horner was changed by Laurent Mekies, who has overseen an upturn in outcomes for Pink Bull because the sport’s summer time break, with Verstappen ending second on the Dutch Grand Prix earlier than claiming back-to-back victories in Italy and Azerbaijan.
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Craig Slater analysed why Horner left Pink Bull
Horner added: “I wish Laurent, Max, Yuki (Tsunoda) and all of the Red Bull Technology Group the very best for the future. I am confident they will, as ever, deliver success on the track, for our fans, and continue to push to the maximum and I look forward to seeing the first Red Bull / Ford engine in the back of RB22 next year as well as the exciting RB17.
“Racing apart, I might additionally wish to thank the shareholders, the late Dietrich Mateschitz for the chance he gave me as a 31 12 months outdated, Mark Mateschitz and Saravoot Yoovidyha and eventually Chalerm and Daranee Yoovidhya for his or her friendship and dedication throughout my time at Pink Bull in addition to Oliver Mintzlaff and the board for his or her steerage.”
Since his sacking, Horner has been linked with the likes of Alpine and Cadillac, but the latter – a new entry to F1 in 2026 – emphatically shut down the speculation in August.
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