Horner's F1 return may be speedy after bumper payout

Christian Horner has received a reported payout of more than £80m from Red Bull after officially leaving the company yesterday.

- KIERAN JACKSON FORMULA 1 CORRESPONDENT

Horner was relieved of his operational duties as F1 team principal and CEO back in July, after 20 years with the Milton Keynes-based team, having lost a power struggle. No specific reason was officially given for his exit.

Horner, technically, has remained a Red Bull employee in the two months since and had a contract in place until 2030. However, after negotiations spanning several weeks, the 51-year-old has now officially left the company, with The Times reporting that Horner has received more than £80m.

The report adds that Horner can also return to Formula One next year. He has been linked with a move to Alpine, led by close friend Flavio Briatore and based close to his home in Oxfordshire.

Red Bull confirmed in a statement yesterday morning that Horner has officially left the company, with Horner himself adding: “Leading Red Bull Racing has been an honour and privilege.