Who is Christian Horner? A look at Red Bull’s team principal

In 2005, when Red Bull decided to enter motor racing as outsiders in an environment dominated by legacy automobile companies, they hired an outsider to run the ship too.

Nineteen years later, Christian Horner stands as the longest-serving team principal in the paddock.

High-power partnerships, a genius mind for racing strategy, and a ruthless management style have allowed him to excel in the sport.

Today, all eyes are on Red Bull and Max Verstappen as they continue to dominate the Formula 1 World Championship, as they have for the last three years.

The world knows more than their fair share of information about the three-time world champion but what about the man at the helm of it all?

Horner is more than just his position and here Monica De Los Angeles offers up seven things you probably didn’t know about the CEO and Team Principal of Red Bull Racing.

Youngest team principal in history

Horner led his Arden International team to incredible success with three consecutive International Formula 3000 Team championships between 2002 and 2004 as well as Drivers’ titles in 2003 and 2004.

These victories were brought to the attention of Red Bull co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz and when the company decided to field its own F1 entry in 2005, it turned to Horner to run Red Bull Racing.

In doing so, Horner became the sport’s youngest Team Principal at just 31 years of age. In the 19 years since, he has taken over as CEO of Red Bull Racing and is also the longest-serving team principal on the grid.

This is fitting, as his protogé, Max Verstappen, became the youngest driver to compete in Formula 1 at the 2015 Australian Grand Prix.

Married to Ginger Spice

Horner has amassed a reputation for himself in this sport as a legendary leader and team principal over the last 20 years, so it only makes sense that he should marry a pop music legend.

Horner started dating Geri Halliwell in January 2015 and the couple got married just five months later on May 15, 2015.

You might not know her as Geri Halliwell but as “Ginger Spice,” her stage name during her tenure in the hit British pop girl band, The Spice Girls.

Within a year of their marriage, Geri Horner became pregnant with baby boy Montague Horner, who is now six years old.

With a combined net worth of $90 million, they have solidified themselves as a power couple in the paddock and substantial reputations that precede them in both their respective careers.

Awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to motorsport

With 25 years of services to motorsport under his belt, it was only a matter of time before the British motorsport expert was recognized for his contributions to the sport.

He was previously appointed an Officer of the British Empire back in 2013, following the team’s four successive double title-winning seasons, but this past December saw King Charles III bestow the honour of making him a Commander of the Order of the British Empire.

Commenting on the appointment, Horner said: “It was an unexpected distinction a decade ago to be presented with an OBE and to receive this second award, a CBE, is one for which I am hugely grateful and deeply honoured.”

Deep love for classic cars

It seems a bit on the nose for the CEO of a race car team to also have an affinity for classic cars, but alas, it's true.

Horner has been seen at several classic car shows over the years. According to an article in the US Sun last year, was seen test-driving a 1969 Lamborgini Miura valued at £1.7 million.

He even owns the legendary Aston Martin DB5, which is considered among the most iconic James Bond vehicles

Known for his calm and composed demeanor

Fans of Drive to Survive might disagree but Horner is actually well known around the paddock being cool, calm and collected when put in pressure and at most times.

This comes as a surprise to those that got into the sport through DTS as Horner is notoriously depicted as a hot-headed mastermind.

The best example of this is Horner’s meme-worthy and intense discussion with Mercedes Team Principal, Toto Wolff during the 2022 season. When he’s not arguing with Toto, he has been known to be very kind and relaxed when interacting with others.

Professional racing driver for Formula 3000

Horner was behind the wheel of a car before dedicating himself to running his very own team, Arden Racing.

He worked his way up through the early motosport circuits including the Formula 1 feeder, International Formula 3000.

In the late 90’s Horner decided to hang up his driver cap and devote himself to managing the job. Over the course of the following five years he built Arden into a formidable competitor, as mentioned, taking three consecutive International Formula 3000 Team championships between 2002 and 2004 as well as Drivers’ titles in 2003 and 2004.

Using his own experience as a driver gave him the opportunity to learn and win championships.

Highest-paid F1 team principal

No one likes to talk about money but it’s important to be aware that Horner is the highest-paid F1 team principal.

His net worth is said to be around $60 million but when it comes to his yearly salary it is reportedly above $10m (£8m) per year as team principal of Red Bull Racing.

It’s fairly obvious to see why he gets paid the big bucks, he has one of the hardest jobs in the sport and so far has led the team to six Constructors Championships. Thus, the whopping $10 million a year that makes him the highest-paid team principal.