Verstappen camp was not behind my Red Bull exit, says Christian Horner
BBC World
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Christian Horner, former CEO of Red Bull Racing, has revealed that Max Verstappen or his camp were not behind his sudden exit from the company in 2025. Horner, who joined Red Bull in 2005 and led the team to eight drivers' championships and six constructors' titles, left after a controversial period marked by allegations of sexual harassment against him by a female employee. Although cleared twice through internal investigations, Horner expressed a deep sense of loss over his departure, attributing it to changes within the company following the death of its founder Dietrich Mateschitz. He pointed to Red Bull managing director Oliver Mintzlaff and advisor Helmut Marko as key figures behind the decision, stating that the move was sudden and he did not get a proper goodbye.
The controversy began in February 2024 when the harassment allegations were made public. Initially, Horner faced an internal investigation led by a lawyer who cleared him of the charges. However, the complainant appealed, which was dismissed by another lawyer. Despite these findings, Horner's relationship with Red Bull soured, leading to his departure in 2025 with a £52m payout. He claimed that the company's leadership shifted after Mateschitz's death, and he was perceived as having too much control, prompting Mintzlaff and Marko to push for his exit.
Horner's departure highlights the internal politics and challenges within major corporations, particularly when leadership changes occur. His account sheds light on how high-level decisions can impact long-standing executives, even after they have contributed significantly to the company's success. The situation also raises questions about workplace culture and the implications of internal investigations on employee relations. For readers interested in global business dynamics, Horner's story underscores the importance of understanding corporate governance and the human side of leadership transitions.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/24/2026