Christian Horner Faces Fresh Red Bull Fallout After £67m Payout and ‘Lying’ Claims

Christian Horner is facing renewed scrutiny from former Red Bull colleagues after documents revealed that the former team principal received a reported £67 million settlement following his departure from the Formula 1 team.

The payment emerged as Horner’s relationship with senior figures at Red Bull came under renewed discussion, with Max Verstappen describing an atmosphere of tension during the period when the team was dealing with the controversy surrounding its former boss.

Horner has consistently denied wrongdoing and was cleared in two internal investigations into allegations involving a female employee.

Red Bull Accounts Reveal £67m Compensation

Documents filed at Companies House reportedly show that Horner received £33.5 million directly from Red Bull Racing.

A further £33.5 million was paid through other Red Bull accounts, taking the reported total compensation package to £67 million.

The payment was recorded in the company‘s accounts as compensation for loss of office.

Horner, who is married to former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, was dismissed by Red Bull in July 2025 after more than two decades at the helm of the team.

Verstappen Reflects on Tension Inside Red Bull

Verstappen has now offered an insight into the atmosphere within Red Bull during the turbulent period.

The four-time world champion said he preferred seeing people within Formula 1 teams maintain positive relationships rather than allowing disagreements to create unnecessary tension.

He indicated that the environment at Red Bull had previously been more strained, describing the current situation as less stressful.

Verstappen also suggested that although tension can generate interest from outside the sport, relationships between rival teams and their personnel are healthier when they remain friendly.

‘It Is Less Stressful’ Under the New Order

Verstappen’s comments come as Red Bull operates under different leadership following Horner’s departure.

The Dutch driver said he liked how things were developing and welcomed what he described as a reduction in stress.

His remarks provide a glimpse into the internal pressures experienced by Red Bull during a period dominated by controversy surrounding Horner.

Helmut Marko Rejects Horner’s Account of Verstappen

Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko has also challenged claims contained in Horner’s forthcoming autobiography, Drive.

Horner reportedly wrote that Marko had not wanted Verstappen to join Red Bull.

Marko rejected that version of events and referenced comments by former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher, who had described Horner’s account as an “absolute lie”.

Marko said he was trying to ignore the claims but suggested that Schumacher had handled the dispute effectively.

Marko Says He Helped Bring Verstappen to F1

Marko maintains that he played a significant role in bringing Verstappen into Red Bull’s Formula 1 programme.

According to Marko, he approached Verstappen when the future world champion was only 11 years old.

He also recalled having to defend the decision to promote Verstappen when Horner questioned whether the young driver was sufficiently experienced.

The disagreement reportedly became particularly significant around Verstappen’s first Red Bull race in Barcelona.

Horner’s Two-Decade Red Bull Legacy

Horner became Red Bull’s team principal when the team entered Formula 1 in 2005 and remained in the position for about 20 years.

During that period, Red Bull won eight drivers’ championships and six constructors’ titles.

The team’s championship success came through the eras of Sebastian Vettel and Verstappen, with Verstappen winning four consecutive drivers’ championships during his dominant period with Red Bull.

Despite the achievements, Horner’s final years with the organisation became dominated by controversy.

Texting Scandal Changed Horner’s Final Years

The controversy began in 2024 after allegations concerning Horner’s conduct toward a female employee emerged.

A collection of 79 screenshots allegedly showing WhatsApp exchanges between Horner and the woman was circulated among senior figures in Formula 1 shortly before the 2024 Bahrain Grand Prix.

The material was reportedly sent to hundreds of people connected with the sport, including team principals, Liberty Media representatives and members of the media.

Horner denied the allegations and was cleared following two internal investigations.

Horner’s Departure Came Months Later

Although the investigations cleared Horner of wrongdoing, the controversy continued to surround his position at Red Bull.

He was ultimately dismissed in July 2025, ending one of the longest-running team principal tenures in modern Formula 1.

His reported severance payment has now brought renewed attention to the circumstances surrounding his departure.

Former Colleague’s Comments Add to the Fallout

The latest comments from Verstappen and Marko have added another dimension to the post-Horner debate.

While Verstappen focused on the reduction of tension within the team, Marko directly disputed Horner’s account of his role in Verstappen’s Red Bull career.

The disagreements highlight how differing recollections of Red Bull’s most successful period continue to emerge after Horner’s exit.

Ferrari Speculation Surrounds Horner’s Future

Horner has also fuelled speculation that he could eventually return to Formula 1.

The 52-year-old recently identified Ferrari as his “dream” team and said it was the only Formula 1 outfit for which he would consider returning without an ownership stake.

Horner has indicated that he is not interested in simply returning to the pit wall as an employee after spending 21 years in such a role.

Ferrari Publicly Backs Fred Vasseur

Any potential move to Ferrari faces an immediate obstacle, however, after the Italian team publicly reaffirmed its support for current team principal Fred Vasseur.

Ferrari chief communications officer Maria Conti recently told reporters that the team had made its decision and had “full confidence” in Vasseur and his staff.

The statement was issued amid speculation that Horner could eventually become a candidate for the position.

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has also publicly backed Vasseur, describing him as the right person to lead Ferrari.

Horner’s Future Remains Uncertain

Horner’s reported £67 million exit package, renewed criticism from former Red Bull colleagues and speculation about his next move have placed the former team principal back in the Formula 1 spotlight.

His legacy at Red Bull remains closely associated with the team’s unprecedented championship success under his leadership, but his final years at the organisation were also marked by a highly publicised controversy that ultimately preceded his departure.

For now, Ferrari has made clear that it intends to continue with Vasseur, leaving Horner’s next move in Formula 1 uncertain.