Christian Horner, the former team principal of Red Bull Racing, opens up about his departure from the team and the impact it had on his life. Currently at home in Highgate, he shares moments from his past and the emotional toll of his exit following a controversial period in Formula One.

Horner, who was exonerated from allegations of sending inappropriate messages to a female employee, describes his dismissal in July 2025 as "brutal and sad." He reveals that while Red Bull has struggled post-departure, Max Verstappen recently won races in Bahrain and Singapore with an engine developed under Horner's leadership.

Reflecting on his career, Horner recalls:

• Joining Red Bull in 2005 with a small team of under 400
• Leaving behind a workforce of 2,200
• The emotional farewell with staff, who he considered family

Horner acknowledges the challenges he faced, including the death of his daughter's mother, which made his exit even more painful. He speaks candidly about the pressures of leadership and mental health, mentioning Toto Wolff’s openness about depression.

Despite the hardships, Horner expresses pride in his achievements, including 124 wins and 14 championships during his tenure. He contemplates his future in Formula One, stating he would only return for the right opportunity, ideally with a stake in the team.

As he celebrates his daughter’s 13th birthday, Horner reflects on what he misses about F1: the people and competition, while acknowledging the relief of stepping back from the relentless travel and politics of the sport. He remains optimistic about potential future endeavors, whether in racing or beyond.