Christian Horner reveals when he could quit Red Bull with team set for major changes

Christian Horner has reiterated his commitment to the Red Bull F1 project, explaining that he is contracted to the Milton Keynes-based squad until at least 2030. The 51-year-old joined the company in 2005, spearheading their success in the series.

The past 12 months have been significant at Red Bull, marking a significant period of change for the six-time world champions. Aston Martin poached legendary aerodynamicist Adrian Newey, and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley accepted a position with the new Audi F1 project.

Then there is the matter of Max Verstappen’s future. The four-time world champion pipped Lando Norris to the crown in 2024, but with just two victories in the final 14 Grands Prix, Red Bull face an uphill battle to give the Dutchman title-winning machinery in 2025.

Without a car capable of fighting for the Drivers’ Championship title, Verstappen’s head could be turned, and interest from Mercedes and Aston Martin may seem more appealing. Horner, however, has no plans to leave the team.

“Yeah, I’ve got a commitment to Red Bull to the end of the decade,” he replied when asked about his long-term future in Milton Keynes. “My commitment remains absolute.”

While the Red Bull team principal is wholeheartedly committed to his position, in early 2024, Horner’s future looked uncertain. After an investigation into alleged inappropriate behaviour was opened – and later closed with no evidence of wrongdoing – there were calls for the Brit to resign.

Jos Verstappen, father of the team’s star driver, was extremely vocal in his opposition to Horner, who denied the allegations throughout. He fumed: There is tension here while he remains in position. The team is in danger of being torn apart. It can’t go on the way it is. It will explode. He is playing the victim when he is the one causing the problems.”

Despite the intense external noise, Horner held onto his position as team principal and maintained the support of the shareholders. Looking back on the saga, he credited it as a learning experience for him as a leader. “You’re always learning in life, always applying lessons,” he said.

“The day you think you know it all, or you’re not learning, is the day you’re going backwards. It’s the same in life, it’s the same with the car, it’s the same with everything, that you’re always learning, always applying lessons that you’ve learned to try and do things better in the future.”