Christian Horner has formally completed his exit from Red Bull Racing with a confidential settlement.
Horner was removed as Team Principal and CEO in early July amidst a difficult first half of the season which saw Liam Lawson dropped after two rounds for Yuki Tsunoda, whilst the team found themselves fourth in the constructors’ championship.
Horner had overseen eight driver and six constructor titles at Red Bull across 20 years and following agreement on a confidential settlement, he has now formally departed the team which he described as “an honour and privilege” to had managed.
“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.
“However for me my biggest satisfaction has been assembling and leading the most amazing group of talented and driven individuals and seeing them flourish as a subsidiary of an Energy Drinks company and seeing them take on and beat some of the biggest automotive brands in the world.”
Horner also wished his successor, Laurent Mekies well after Red Bull claimed one sprint and two Grands Prix victories under his watch already.
“I wish Laurent, Max, Yuki 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.
The 51-year-old also paid tribute to fans for their support and acknowledged late founder, Dietrich Mateschitz for giving him the role two decades ago.
“I would like to say a big thank you to the fans for their ongoing belief and without whom there would be no Formula One. Racing aside,
“I would also like to thank the shareholders, the late Dietrich Mateschitz for the opportunity he gave me as a 31 year old, Mark Mateschitz and Saravoot Yoovidhya and finally Chalerm and Daranee Yoovidhya for their friendship and commitment during my time at Red Bull as well as Oliver Mintzlaff and the Board for their guidance.”
Red Bull CEO, Oliver Mintzlaff thanked Horner for his incredible work over the last two decades.
“We would like to thank Christian for his exceptional work over the last 20 years. With his tireless commitment, experience, expertise and innovative thinking, he has been instrumental in establishing Red Bull Racing as one of the most successful and attractive teams in Formula 1.
“Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history.”
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