Horner's Ex-Colleagues Criticize 'Lying' Amidst £67M Red Bull Payout Revelation

Christian Horner's tenure at Red Bull Racing has been marked by further controversy as former colleagues have publicly criticized his conduct, citing instances of 'lying' and the creation of 'constant spicy tension' within the team. These allegations surface shortly after reports revealed a staggering £67 million severance payout to Horner, husband of former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell.

Documents filed at Companies House by Red Bull Racing indicate that Horner received £33.5 million, with an additional £33.5 million paid from other Red Bull accounts. This payout follows his dismissal amidst a texting scandal, though two internal investigations cleared him of any wrongdoing.

Superstar driver Max Verstappen alluded to a difficult atmosphere under Horner's leadership. "To be honest, I like to see that people get on. It is not nice when you constantly have tension between people," Verstappen stated, adding, "It is less stressful. We are all leading a stressful life and, when you can take a bit of stress out of it at times, it is good." Verstappen indicated a preference for the current team dynamic, describing it as "less spicy" and more harmonious.

Helmut Marko, a Red Bull adviser and former colleague, also voiced criticism. Marko refuted Horner's claims in his upcoming autobiography, 'Drive,' that Marko was opposed to Verstappen joining the team. Marko referred to an assessment by former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher, who called Horner's account an "absolute lie."

"I brought Max into Formula 1 and had to stand my ground against Horner at his first race for Red Bull in Barcelona. He thought Max was too young, too inexperienced," Marko told Austrian outlet OE24. Ralf Schumacher elaborated on an episode of the Backstage Boxengasse podcast, recounting how Marko had approached Max Verstappen at age 11, facing initial resistance from Max's father, Jos, who felt he was too young.

Horner, who had been Red Bull's team principal for 20 years, leading them to eight drivers' and six constructors' championships, was sacked in July 2025. This followed a scandal involving text messages allegedly sent to a female employee, the details of which were leaked to Formula 1 figures before the 2024 Bahrain Grand Prix. Despite denials from Horner and the outcomes of internal investigations, seventy-nine screenshots of WhatsApp chats were circulated.

The woman who accused Horner of coercive behavior was reportedly released from her latest role in motor racing last month, with her employers stating they do not comment on personnel matters. It is understood her termination followed a loss of confidence from her new boss due to a "lack of discretion."

Amidst these revelations, speculation has linked Horner with a potential return to Formula 1, particularly at Ferrari. Horner himself stated that Ferrari is his "dream" team and the only one he would consider joining without an equity stake. However, Ferrari's chief communications officer, Maria Conti, officially backed current team principal Fred Vasseur, stating, "Ferrari has made its choices and has full confidence in Fred Vasseur and his team. Nothing has changed."