Christian Horner’s salary is currently regarded to be the highest among F1 team bosses following substantial pay rise for senior Red Bull personnel in 2023.
According to financial reports, the Brit’s earnings have surged to an impressive £8.92 million marking an 11% rise from the previous year’s salary of £8.04 million.
The significant pay hike not only cements his status as the highest-paid team principal in Formula 1 but also reflects the remarkable achievements of Red Bull Racing during a record-breaking season.
Under Horner’s leadership, the Milton Keynes outfit has experienced unprecedented success on the track. The team dominated the 2023 season, winning 21 out of a possible 22 races and securing both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships.
Red Bull’s star driver Max Verstappen played a pivotal role in this success clinching his third consecutive World Championship title. The team’s performance not only elevated its status within the sport but also translated into substantial financial gains, with total revenues reportedly rising by 16% to £446 million.
This financial growth has allowed Red Bull Racing to reward its top executives handsomely. However, while Christian Horner’s salary reflects a successful year for the team on the track, it also comes amid challenges in 2024.
Despite their dominant past season, the team has struggled to maintain its winning momentum in the current year. As of now, they find themselves in third place in the Constructors’ Championship standings, trailing behind McLaren and Ferrari.
Red Bull’s struggles have been compounded by off-track controversies involving Horner himself, including allegations of inappropriate behavior from a former employee. Although he has denied these claims, they have added a layer of complexity to his leadership role during a tumultuous period for Red Bull.
The financial reports also highlight another key figure within Red Bull Racing: Helmut Marko, who serves as a senior advisor and has been instrumental in driver development for the team.
Marko’s salary doubled from £3.5 million in 2022 to £7 million in 2023, reflecting both his contributions to the team’s success and the overall growth of Red Bull Racing as a brand.
In comparison to other top figures in Formula 1, Christian Horner’s salary stands out significantly. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff earns a reported £6 million annually albeit his overall income is bolstered by his ownership stake in Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd., which reportedly yields him around £25 million in dividends.
Meanwhile, McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has seen his earnings soar from £9 million to approximately £26.4 million due to a one-off bonus payment associated with McLaren’s improved performance.
Christian Horner’s salary increase is indicative of Red Bull Racing’s strategic focus on retaining top talent and maintaining competitive advantage within Formula 1. The team’s financial health allows them to invest not only in their drivers but also in their management team and operational capabilities.
With Verstappen continuing to perform at an elite level and attract sponsorships and media attention, Red Bull is well-positioned to capitalize on its recent successes.
