Why Horner is still on Red Bull's payroll

During his emotional speech, where Horner couldn't hold back his tears, the Briton indicated he was relieved of his duties, but would remain on Red Bull's payroll. At the time, this was undoubtedly an appropriate comment, as Horner had been formally put on leave.

Normally, this initiates the process to dissolve the employment contract. Without much imagination, it can be assumed that this is something that can take up some time. For instance, arrangements must be made regarding the severance pay, when Horner may take on a job elsewhere, and what he may or may not say publicly about Red Bull.

It is speculative how much Horner will receive as a severance package. Reportedly, the Briton earned ten million dollars a year, with a contract running until the end of 2030. However, it is hard to imagine that Horner will receive the full amount for the next five years (thus 50 million).

Undoubtedly, Red Bull's lawyers will claim that Horner did not perform well and that intervention was necessary - with financial consequences. Moreover, it remains to be seen what happens at the beginning of '26. Then Red Bull appears before the labor court in a case brought by a former employee, who accused Horner of exhibiting inappropriate behavior.

If Red Bull is condemned to pay compensation because of the former team boss's behavior, this could also affect what Horner receives.

It must also be discussed how much Horner receives if he finds a job elsewhere at any time. In sports, it often happens that permission for this is only granted if the former employee makes a financial gesture. If Horner does not do this, Red Bull could put a stop to a new employment possibility.

In any case, as long as Horner and Red Bull have not reached an agreement on the terms of his departure, he is indeed contractually employed by the Austrian company. However, this does not mean that he performs any work for Red Bull.