Horner's Red Bull Pay Raise Revealed, Wolff's Engine Dilemma, and More F1 News

Financial documents have shed light on Red Bull Racing's 2024 earnings, revealing over £314 million in revenue and a pay raise for Christian Horner prior to his recent departure. Meanwhile, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff grapples with the dual challenge of supplying competitive engines to rival teams while safeguarding Mercedes' own interests for the 2026 season. Yuki Tsunoda's improved performance at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix has boosted his confidence regarding his Red Bull future, and Lewis Hamilton offers a candid assessment of Ferrari's prospects for the remainder of the 2025 season.

Why it matters:

The latest financial disclosures surrounding Christian Horner add another layer to his high-profile exit from Red Bull Racing, highlighting the team's strong fiscal performance even amid leadership changes. Toto Wolff's strategic concerns about engine supply underscore the delicate balance between commercial ventures and competitive advantage in Formula 1's evolving landscape. For drivers like Yuki Tsunoda, strong performances are critical for securing long-term positions in a highly competitive sport, while Lewis Hamilton's observations provide insight into Ferrari's current standing and their realistic goals as they look towards significant regulation changes in 2026.

The details:

• Christian Horner's Compensation: Company documents indicate Red Bull Racing generated over £314 million in 2024. During this period, Christian Horner, the now ex-team boss, received a pay raise, even as the team recorded a post-tax profit of £1.681 million, an increase from the previous year.
• Toto Wolff's Engine Conundrum: Mercedes-powered cars showed strong results at Baku, with George Russell securing P2 and Carlos Sainz achieving third for Williams. McLaren, another Mercedes customer, is also on track for back-to-back Constructors' titles. While this showcases Mercedes' engine prowess, Toto Wolff expressed being 'in two minds,' concerned that customer success could potentially 'harm us' in F1 2026.
• Yuki Tsunoda's Improved Outlook: After a challenging transition to Red Bull Racing and its RB21 car, Yuki Tsunoda secured his season-best finish at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. He credited this to 'unlocking' the car's potential, a breakthrough that has made him feel more optimistic about his prospects of remaining with Red Bull Racing beyond the current season.
• Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari Assessment: Following another disappointing weekend at the Baku City Circuit, Lewis Hamilton offered a dim prognosis for Scuderia Ferrari's 2025 season. He believes it will be particularly challenging for Ferrari to outperform teams like McLaren and Red Bull, given that Ferrari is largely focusing its resources and attention on preparations for the 2026 regulations.

The big picture:

Red Bull Racing's financial health, despite the controversies surrounding its former team principal, suggests a robust and well-resourced operation. The competitive dynamic between engine suppliers and their customer teams is a perennial challenge, and with significant regulation changes looming in 2026, Mercedes' strategic decisions now will heavily influence their future dominance. For drivers like Tsunoda, every race is an audition, and his recent performance is a timely boost. Ferrari's realistic approach to 2025, as noted by Hamilton, indicates a strategic long-term vision, prioritizing future success over short-term gains in a transitional year.

What's next:

• The full impact of Christian Horner's departure and the financial implications will continue to unfold, particularly as Red Bull navigates its leadership structure.
• Toto Wolff and Mercedes will need to carefully balance their commercial interests with their competitive ambitions as they finalize engine supply agreements and development strategies for the critical 2026 season.
• Yuki Tsunoda's continued performance will be closely watched as Red Bull evaluates its driver lineup for 2026, with his recent success strengthening his case for retention.
• Ferrari's focus on 2026 will mean a challenging remainder of the 2025 season, but any insights gained from their development work could provide an early advantage when the new regulations kick in.