F1 Academy Managing Director Susie Wolff has revealed that she is going to at all times be grateful to former Purple Bull crew principal Christian Horner. Wolff highlighted Horner’s early and constant help for the F1 Academy, recognizing his function in encouraging ladies’s participation in motorsport.
Christian Horner’s Legacy with Purple Bull Racing
Christian Horner was an integral a part of the head of motorsport from the very starting of Purple Bull Racing in 2005. Over almost 20 years, he led the crew to 6 Constructors’ Championships and eight Drivers’ Championships, establishing some of the profitable eras in Formulation 1 historical past.
Nonetheless, Horner’s time with Purple Bull got here to an finish on July 9, 2025, when he was formally dismissed. Reflecting on his departure, Wolff expressed her appreciation for his help of girls in racing, saying:
“Christian was supportive of F1 Academy, and for that I’ll at all times be grateful.”
F1 Academy’s Momentum and the Influence on the Sport
Wolff additionally admitted that the controversy surrounding Horner affected the optimistic momentum the F1 Academy had been gaining.
“It was an actual disgrace for the game — the entire drama that was created with the allegations. We had been getting a lot optimistic momentum with F1 Academy, and that every one kicked off and instantly everybody needed to interview me about that. He performed a personality very nicely, however I do suppose that incident possibly wasn’t the most effective for the picture of the game and confirmed that we’ve nonetheless obtained work to do.”
Horner’s Ultimate Months at Purple Bull and the Scandal
The ultimate 18 months of Christian Horner’s tenure as Purple Bull’s CEO and Group Principal had been turbulent. Allegations of inappropriate conduct towards a feminine Purple Bull worker in 2024 dominated headlines. The matter was finally settled, reportedly involving a €3 million cost to shut the case.
Following these occasions, Horner stayed out of the general public eye, taking time away from the game to concentrate on his private life.
Riccardo Patrese on Horner’s Attainable Return
Former F1 driver Riccardo Patrese just lately commented on the saga and whether or not Horner may ever return to Formulation 1:
“What occurred to him final 12 months was incorrect. His non-public life is his non-public life. I believe he was handled badly and on the finish he obtained some huge cash. Now he’s in all probability taking a while to chill out at residence. I noticed him using his horses. I believe he’s a really succesful particular person — it’s as much as him if he finds one other F1 job and whether or not he’ll come again or not.”
A $100 Million Exit and a Quiet Life Forward
Christian Horner’s remaining race in control of Purple Bull got here on the 2025 British Grand Prix, marking the top of a defining chapter in his profession. Studies recommend that Horner obtained an astonishing $100 million as a part of his official departure from Purple Bull Racing’s Milton Keynes headquarters.
Since then, the previous crew boss has remained out of the highlight, specializing in life past the extreme world of Formulation 1. Whether or not he chooses to return to the paddock stays to be seen — however his impression on the game, and the gratitude of figures like Susie Wolff, stay simple.