After Christian Horner`s formal exit from Red Bull, speculation is now focused on his potential return to Formula 1, specifically regarding the timing and manner of such a comeback.
His official departure was confirmed by the team on Monday, over two months after he was dismissed from his dual roles as team principal and chief executive of Red Bull Racing, positions he held for two decades. This announcement came after the final terms of his separation were finalized.
According to information obtained by Sky Sports F1, the 51-year-old received a settlement close to £75 million. He reportedly agreed to a reduced sum to guarantee his eligibility to rejoin F1 by the summer of 2026.
This disclosure, shared by sources privy to the agreement`s conditions, strongly suggests Horner`s firm intention to make a comeback to the Formula 1 paddock.
During his tenure, the British executive led Red Bull to two distinct eras of Formula 1 supremacy. This included four consecutive Drivers` and Constructors` Championships with Sebastian Vettel from 2010-2013, followed by Max Verstappen`s four consecutive Drivers` titles from 2021-2024. Red Bull also secured the Constructors` Championship in 2022 and 2023 under his leadership.
Horner`s F1 Return Timeline
While the precise date for Horner`s contractual clearance to return to Formula 1 remains undisclosed, Sky Sports News correspondent Craig Slater indicates that it could occur before the summer of the 2026 season.
Slater elaborated, stating, “He won`t be available from the very start of 2026, but he is expected to be free to join another team before that summer. Christian Horner could potentially rejoin the F1 landscape by late Spring 2026.”
Despite being restricted from joining a rival Red Bull team until 2026, Horner seems eager to promptly explore opportunities for a new role that would facilitate his return to the sport.
Marcus Prine 
Rupert Hollis