Christian Horner agrees multi-million pound deal with Red Bull that will allow him to return to F1 as early as next year.

The exact amount of money involved isn't known, and according to various media reports ranges between £50m and £80m, and while less than Horner was looking for the agreed figure apparently allows him to return to the sport as early as next season.

"We would like to thank Christian for his exceptional work over the last 20 years," said Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull's chief executive officer corporate projects and investments, in a statement. "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," he added.

"Leading Red Bull Racing has been an honour and privilege," said Horner. "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.

"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.

"I would like to thank our incredible sponsors and partners for their unwavering support who have played a key role in all our success. 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 Yoovidyha 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."

Quite why Horner has clearly pushed for the freedom to return isn't clear as the only possible opening for him would seem to be at Alpine, though all involved have denied that there is any truth to recent speculation.

The monies involved also leave a significant question mark over exactly why Horner was fired in the first place, suggesting that it was more about internal restructuring at the team than the personal issue that dominated the headlines for much of 2024.

Fact is, he does leave Milton Keynes with an enviable track record and would surely prove beneficial to the right team.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by ffracer, 32 minutes ago

"Platooning Christian Horner into the TP at Ferrari would be endorsing a bloodbath. The politics can already choke a horse, CH would ramp it up by 50.... not a good fit.

Alpine, however, would be a match made in heaven. Briatore insists that he is not long term, a Mercedes lease program to remain in Toto Wolff's crossbar and the challenge of taking a once mighty French team (with UK headquarters), with some great ingredients, back up to the front. The front being something another brutal sparring partner, Cyril Abitaboul, couldn't do. Seriously, CH would thrive in this environment. "

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2. Posted by Superbird70, 7 hours ago

"@Tardis40- They need a shakeup. Strategies are pitiful. He would be the solution but maybe not a good fit."

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3. Posted by Tardis40, 9 hours ago

"Ferrari will snatch him up
"

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Horner free to return to F1 following mega-million agreement with Red Bull

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