Christian Horner, the former CEO and team principal of Red Bull, has been seen on a luxury holiday in Croatia, marking his first public appearance since his removal from the team. This sighting follows a period of maintaining a low profile since Red Bull GmbH's decision to remove him.
Why it matters
Horner's public return confirms his post-Red Bull status and sheds light on his activities following his departure. His roles at Red Bull were filled by Laurent Mekies, signalling a significant shift within the team's leadership structure.
The details
Horner's last public appearance was at the British Grand Prix, just two days before Red Bull issued his marching orders. After an emotional farewell speech to employees at Milton Keynes, he kept out of the public eye.
- Social media activity hinted at his whereabouts, including attending an Oasis concert and sharing sunset photos from a boat.
- An eagle-eyed photographer in Croatia spotted his wife, Geri Horner (formerly of the Spice Girls), on the £10.5 million Sunseeker yacht Majic.
- Photos shared by Croatia's 24Sata.hr news website show Horner holidaying with family and friends on the Croatian peninsula of Peljesac, near Dubrovnik.
- His holiday coincides with recent Companies House documents confirming his termination as a director of various Red Bull companies. Stefan Salzer, Red Bull GmbH’s head of HR, not Laurent Mekies, has replaced him as director of the F1 team.
What's next
While Horner has been terminated as a director, his employment status with Red Bull remains unclear. If he is still an employee, he could significantly impact Red Bull’s financial budgeting for the F1 2025 season due to his previous high-earner status.
- PlanetF1.com has sought clarification from Red Bull GmbH regarding his employment.
- New directorship structures across Red Bull companies are now in place:
- Red Bull Technology Ltd. (Holding company): Stefan Salzer and Alistair Rew.
- Red Bull Racing: Helmut Marko and Stefan Salzer.
- Red Bull Powertrains: Helmut Marko and Alistair Rew.
- Red Bull Advanced Technologies: Helmut Marko and Alistair Rew.
- Red Bull Advanced Services: Helmut Marko and Alistair Rew.
- Should a full split from Red Bull be negotiated, Horner is expected to observe a minimum six-month gardening leave period.
- His next move in F1 is uncertain. While previously linked to Ferrari, Frederic Vasseur's contract extension has quashed those rumors. A rumored move to Graeme Lowdon's Cadillac squad is reportedly not on the table.