Christian Horner formally leaves Red Bull with £52m pay-off

Adrian Newey, renowned as the greatest designer in F1 history, left Red Bull Racing last year due to perceived diminished importance. Long-time sporting director Jonathan Wheatley also departed, now leading Sauber's transition to Audi's factory team. As Red Bull's form declined this season, relations soured between Horner and shareholders, leading to Horner's departure after poor performance at the British Grand Prix. Oliver Mintzlaff praised Horner's contributions but decided to let him go.