New Delhi, Sep 22 (NationPress) Christian Horner and Red Bull Racing have officially announced the conclusion of one of Formula 1’s most notable collaborations, as the team revealed on Monday that the veteran team principal has completed his departure after nearly two decades at the helm.

At 51, Horner had been stripped of his operational responsibilities in July, but it is only now that an agreement with Red Bull regarding the terms of his exit has been finalized. Reports indicate that he was still entitled to over £100 million from a contract that extended until 2030.

“Leading Red Bull Racing has been both an honor and a privilege,” Horner expressed in a statement. “When we launched in 2005, none of us could have foreseen the journey ahead — the championships, the races, the people, the memories. I take immense pride in our achievements as a team, shattering records and attaining levels that seemed unimaginable, and I will cherish that forever.”

Horner, who became the first principal of the newly formed team when Red Bull entered F1 in 2005, guided the team through two dominant eras. Under his leadership, Sebastian Vettel clinched four consecutive drivers' and constructors' championships from 2010 to 2013, followed by Max Verstappen leading another remarkable period with four straight drivers' titles from 2021 to 2024. The team also captured back-to-back constructors’ championships in 2022 and 2023.

“However, my greatest satisfaction has come from bringing together and guiding an extraordinary group of talented individuals and witnessing their success as a subsidiary of an energy drink company, competing against and surpassing some of the largest automotive brands globally,” Horner remarked.

His final 18 months were marked by turmoil, both on and off the track. In February 2024, allegations of inappropriate behavior were leveled against him by a female colleague, though these claims were subsequently dismissed upon appeal. Horner has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

Meanwhile, Red Bull found itself losing ground to competitors. McLaren surpassed them as the sport's leading team, while several key personnel departed from Milton Keynes, including legendary designer Adrian Newey to Aston Martin and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley to Sauber.

In July, Red Bull appointed Laurent Mekies as Horner's replacement, who has since overseen a resurgence in performance. Verstappen secured second place at the Dutch Grand Prix before achieving consecutive victories in Italy and Azerbaijan.

Horner paid tribute to his successor and the team he is leaving behind: “I wish Laurent, Max, Yuki Tsunoda, and everyone at the Red Bull Technology Group the best for the future. I have faith they will continue to deliver success on the track for our fans and strive for excellence. I’m eager to witness the first Red Bull/Ford engine in the RB22 next year, along with the exciting RB17.”

He also expressed gratitude to those who supported him throughout his tenure at Red Bull: “Beyond racing, I want to thank the shareholders, the late Dietrich Mateschitz for the opportunity he provided me at 31, Mark Mateschitz, Saravoot Yoovidyha, and also 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.”

Speculation has arisen concerning Horner’s next career steps, with connections to Alpine and Cadillac — the latter set to enter F1 in 2026 — although Cadillac strongly denied any approach in August.