CHRISTIAN HORNER WALKS AWAY FROM RED BULL WITH £67M PAYOUT — THE STAGGERING SETTLEMENT BEHIND HIS NEXT F1 MOVE

Christian Horner’s sudden departure from Red Bull came with a staggering financial settlement, with company accounts revealing that almost £67million was recorded as compensation for the loss of his role after two decades at the helm.

The former team principal was dismissed in July 2025, despite having a contract that ran until 2030. His exit brought an abrupt end to a career that had helped establish Red Bull as one of Formula One’s dominant forces.

Now, with Horner still outside the sport and eager to return, attention has turned to the fortune he has built and the possibility of a move to Ferrari — the one team he has suggested he would consider joining without an ownership stake.

THE £66.9M RED BULL SETTLEMENT

Red Bull Technology Limited’s 2025 accounts, filed with Companies House, recorded £66,988,000 in “compensation for loss of office” following Horner’s departure.

The same accounts also listed £9.029million in company contributions to money purchase pension schemes. However, that is a separate figure and should not be treated as additional personal cash paid to Horner.

Horner had led Red Bull since the team’s arrival in Formula One in 2005. During his tenure, the team secured eight Drivers’ Championships and six Constructors’ Championships, with Max Verstappen winning four consecutive drivers’ titles from 2021 to 2024.

His departure was formally followed by his resignation as chief executive on August 12, 2025. Laurent Mekies, who had been working with Racing Bulls, took over as team principal.

Reflecting on the end of his Red Bull career, Horner said: “It’s been an honour to be part of this incredible era of motorsport. I leave with immense pride in what we’ve achieved.”

HORNER’S FORTUNE — AND LIFE WITH GERI HALLIWELL

Horner’s personal wealth has previously been estimated at around £39million, while his wife, Spice Girls star Geri Halliwell, has been associated with unofficial estimates of approximately £30million.

Those figures suggest a combined fortune of around £69million, but they are not verified valuations of the couple’s current finances. They also do not account for the full effect of Horner’s Red Bull settlement.

Simply adding the payout to an earlier estimate of his wealth would not establish his current net worth. Tax, the terms of the settlement and his other assets and liabilities would all need to be considered.

Towards the end of his time at Red Bull, Horner was reportedly earning around £8million annually, making him one of Formula One’s highest-paid team principals. Toto Wolff, who owns a third of Mercedes, was reported to earn more.

Horner’s financial interests also extend beyond his F1 salary, with investments outside motorsport and reported ownership of two country estates in southern England.

The settlement gives him substantial financial resources as he considers his next career move, although his future plans remain unconfirmed.

FERRARI: THE ONE TEAM HE CALLS A DREAM

Despite his lengthy absence from the paddock, Horner has made clear that he wants to return to Formula One. The key questions are when he might come back, which role he would pursue and whether he could secure an ownership stake in a future venture.

Ferrari stands out as a possible exception to his preference for having an ownership interest.

Speaking to The Times, Horner said: “At this stage in my life, there’s only one team for which I would accept non-participation in ownership. Would I consider Ferrari?

“I mean, Ferrari is the biggest brand in Formula 1. It’s the dream. And, arguably, it’s the sleeping giant of Formula 1.”

The comments have fuelled speculation about a potential move to Maranello, but there is no confirmed agreement or appointment.

Ferrari has also moved to distance itself from the rumours, publicly expressing its support for current team principal Fred Vasseur.

“We have full confidence in Fred Vasseur and in his team, and we continue to do so,” the team said.

For now, Horner’s Ferrari ambitions remain unfulfilled. His £67million settlement marks a remarkable financial end to his Red Bull chapter, but whether that fortune will accompany him back into Formula One — and in what capacity — remains to be seen.