F1 Academy Managing Director Susie Wolff has revealed that she will always be grateful to former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner. Wolff highlighted Horner’s early and consistent support for the F1 Academy, recognizing his role in encouraging women’s participation in motorsport.
Christian Horner’s Legacy with Red Bull Racing
Christian Horner was an integral part of the pinnacle of motorsport from the very beginning of Red Bull Racing in 2005. Over nearly two decades, he led the team to six Constructors’ Championships and eight Drivers’ Championships, establishing one of the most successful eras in Formula 1 history.
However, Horner’s time with Red Bull came to an end on July 9, 2025, when he was officially dismissed. Reflecting on his departure, Wolff expressed her appreciation for his support of women in racing, saying:
“Christian was supportive of F1 Academy, and for that I’ll always be grateful.”
F1 Academy’s Momentum and the Impact on the Sport
Wolff also admitted that the controversy surrounding Horner affected the positive momentum the F1 Academy had been gaining.
“It was a real shame for the sport — the whole drama that was created with the allegations. We were getting so much positive momentum with F1 Academy, and that all kicked off and suddenly everyone wanted to interview me about that. He played a character very well, but I do think that incident maybe wasn’t the best for the image of the sport and showed that we’ve still got work to do.”
Horner’s Final Months at Red Bull and the Scandal
The final 18 months of Christian Horner’s tenure as Red Bull’s CEO and Team Principal were turbulent. Allegations of inappropriate behavior toward a female Red Bull employee in 2024 dominated headlines. The matter was eventually settled, reportedly involving a €3 million payment to close the case.
Following these events, Horner stayed out of the public eye, taking time away from the sport to focus on his personal life.
Riccardo Patrese on Horner’s Possible Return
Former F1 driver Riccardo Patrese recently commented on the saga and whether Horner might ever return to Formula 1:
“What happened to him last year was wrong. His private life is his private life. I think he was treated badly and at the end he got a lot of money. Now he’s probably taking some time to relax at home. I saw him riding his horses. I think he’s a very capable person — it’s up to him if he finds another F1 job and whether he will come back or not.”
A $100 Million Exit and a Quiet Life Ahead
Christian Horner’s final race in charge of Red Bull came at the 2025 British Grand Prix, marking the end of a defining chapter in his career. Reports suggest that Horner received an astonishing $100 million as part of his official departure from Red Bull Racing’s Milton Keynes headquarters.
Since then, the former team boss has remained out of the spotlight, focusing on life beyond the intense world of Formula 1. Whether he chooses to return to the paddock remains to be seen — but his impact on the sport, and the gratitude of figures like Susie Wolff, remain undeniable.
