Christian Horner has dismissed rumours that he and his wife, Geri Halliwell, have grown close to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Reports had suggested the two couples met for a 'secret lunch' in the Cotswolds while Harry and Meghan were scouting for a place to live in Britain.
Horner denies meeting Meghan
Speaking to The Times, Horner said he has never met Meghan Markle. He said: "I've never met Meghan. [That story] was complete b*****ks."
A spokesperson for Harry and Meghan also confirmed that while the couple are supposed "fans" of Horner and Geri, they had not arranged any meeting or visited their home. The Sussexes previously leased a farmhouse on the Great Tew Estate in the Cotswolds in 2018.
Background on Horner's career
Horner, 52, began karting as a teenager before a stint in Formula 3000. He became the youngest F1 team principal in history when he was hired by Red Bull in 2005. He held the position for 20 years, claiming six Constructors' Championships and eight Drivers' Championships, aided by drivers such as Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen.
In July 2025, he was removed from his position and reportedly received an £80million payoff. Laurent Mekies replaced him. Horner married former Spice Girls singer Geri in May 2015. They live in a Grade II listed former vicarage in the Cotswolds, valued at an estimated £9.2m.
Details of his Red Bull exit
Horner also shed fresh light on his Red Bull exit. In early 2024, he was the subject of an internal investigation following allegations brought by a female Red Bull Racing employee. The complaint alleged inappropriate behaviour. Horner denied all allegations and was cleared of any wrongdoing. However, a day later, an anonymous email account leaked alleged messages and photos, purportedly between Horner and the complainant.
Horner described these as "speculative" and the internal ruling was upheld after a second review. A year later, amid high-profile staff exits - including designer Adrian Newey and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley - and some internal friction, Horner departed.
He continued: "I was never given a clear explanation [why I was fired] other than that they felt [the team's] performance had slipped a little. And that they wanted to go in a different direction. When I really pushed - I had six years left on my contract - I was told that it was more Christian Horner Racing than Red Bull Racing."
"It was one of the biggest payoffs in sports history and also demonstrates that you've done nothing wrong. They just don't want you anymore. If somebody's prepared to pay that much money for you not to be there… I think if you look at that team 12 months down the line, it's lost its mojo, its presence, its vibe."
