Christian Horner Payout Figure Revealed as Former Red Bull Boss Eyes 2026 Return

Christian Horner will not return to Formula 1 until summer 2026. The former Red Bull team principal was dismissed in July 2025 after a breakdown in relationships inside the team. Reports now confirm that Horner will walk away with more than £80 million as part of his exit deal.

The payout comes after Red Bull terminated his contract, which was originally due to run until 2030. According to The Times, the settlement places Horner among the highest-paid dismissed executives in sport. Dutch outlet De Telegraaf also confirmed that Horner has agreed to a nine-month “gardening leave” period before joining any rival team.

Christian Horner Payout Figure Revealed

The deal ensures Horner remains out of the Formula 1 paddock until mid-2026. He was officially sacked after the British Grand Prix, following poor team form and clashes with senior figures such as Helmut Marko and Jos Verstappen. Even Red Bull’s Thai owners, once his closest supporters, withdrew their backing.

Red Bull replaced him with Racing Bulls chief Laurent Mekies. Since then, the team has steadied its performance, with Max Verstappen returning to winning ways in Monza and Baku. The payout, however, ensures Horner departs on his own terms.

Reuters and BBC Sport note that contract disputes of this scale are rare in Formula 1. Horner’s deal is one of the largest in the sport’s history, reflecting his two decades of leadership at Red Bull and four drivers’ titles with Verstappen.

Where Could Horner Go After Red Bull Exit?

Horner’s name continues to circle the paddock. Sources suggest he may not return as a traditional team principal but could instead seek ownership or investor roles. Alpine has been strongly linked, with Horner seen meeting long-time ally Flavio Briatore.

Talk of Aston Martin has also surfaced, which could reunite him with Adrian Newey and Honda. Rumours of interest in buying into Haas have added to the speculation. Ferrari, however, has already dismissed links after extending Fred Vasseur’s deal.

Horner himself has remained quiet in public, but insiders believe his return is almost certain. The nine-month leave period protects Red Bull from an immediate clash but sets up a fresh rivalry in 2026.

Christian Horner payout figure revealed. His exit marks the end of an era, but the story is not over. All signs suggest his comeback will reshape the F1 paddock in 2026.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: How much is Christian Horner’s Red Bull payout?

Reports suggest Horner will receive over £80 million. This covers the early end of his contract, which was due to last until 2030.

Q2: When can Horner return to Formula 1?

He is expected back in summer 2026. A nine-month gardening leave prevents him from joining a rival before then.

Q3: Why was Christian Horner sacked by Red Bull?

He was removed after poor team form and internal disputes. Key figures inside Red Bull no longer supported him.

Q4: Which F1 teams are linked with Horner?

Alpine is seen as the strongest option due to his ties with Flavio Briatore. Aston Martin and Haas have also been mentioned.

Q5: Did Ferrari consider Horner for team principal?

Talks were reported but quickly denied. Ferrari has extended Fred Vasseur’s contract to secure long-term stability.

Disclaimer: This article is based on reports from major news outlets. Financial figures and timelines are subject to official confirmation.

References
Reuters. (2025, September 21). Report on Formula 1 team management changes.
BBC Sport. (2025, September 20). Christian Horner exit explained.
The Times. (2025, September 19). Red Bull payout details revealed.
De Telegraaf. (2025, September 20). Contract and gardening leave conditions for Horner.