HOW MUCH RED BULL MUST PAY CHRISTIAN HORNER AFTER 'PERMANENTLY' REMOVING HIM FROM ALL DUTUES

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Christian Horner has now officially left Red Bull after 20 years with the team. He was sacked as team principal back in July.

It is widely reported that Horner was not given an explanation as to why he was being let go by the Milton Keynes-based outfit. The team have remained quiet on the matter as they move into the new era with Laurent Mekies.

Max Verstappen was unfazed by Horner’s dismissal at the Belgian GP, despite it being the first race since 2005 that the 51-year-old was not in the paddock. There were rumours that the Dutchman had pushed for his sacking, but Verstappen’s camp have dispelled those claims as ‘nonsense’.

There was a sombre mood at Red Bull at Spa, however, as the team principal’s sacking was met with some friction. Many Red Bull staff felt Horner deserved better treatment after the incredible work he has done to turn the team into multiple world champions.

There are fears that a mass exodus of personnel could occur, as several staff members are tied contractually to Horner. These concerns will be heightened now that the Brit has been relieved of all duties.

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Red Bull must pay Christian Horner a high eight-figure settlement after ‘permanently’ removing him from all duties

Horner remained an employee at Red Bull after he was sacked as team principal, but his roles were limited. He was no longer part of the team operationally, with the Thai owners threatening to sever contact with Horner if he did not relinquish his responsibility for marketing.

Now, according to a report from Blick, the 51-year-old has been ‘permanently removed from all positions’ within the Milton Keynes outfit. Horner does not have to take gardening leave after escaping a clause in his contract.

The Brit had a deal until 2030, which many would imagine would cost a sizeable fee to terminate. That is exactly what Red Bull must now fork out.

According to the report, Horner must be paid a ‘high double-digit million-dollar settlement’ after having all of his duties stripped at Red Bull.

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What’s next for Christian Horner after Red Bull sacking?

Horner will likely take some time away from the F1 paddock after leaving Red Bull. But being only 51 years old, he certainly has more to offer in the sport, and he is already being linked with several new positions.

‘Control’ will be important for Horner, so he is unlikely to join a team where there is a dominant leader. A reunion with Adrian Newey at Aston Martin has been ruled out for that reason.

Horner has been heavily linked with Alpine, as Flavio Briatore tries to convince his close friend to join the Enstone outfit. He could become a shareholder in the team, but Horner would have to pay £298m for a 20% stake in the team.

Ralf Schumacher says Alpine need to change Briatore’s role if Horner were to join the team. He will want to be the most influential figure when he does eventually return to the paddock.

- Tyler Rowlinson