Red Bull team principal Christian Horner was the recipient on Wednesday of a CBE – Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire – from King Charles III for his contributions to motorsport.
Swapping his headset and team kit for a rather more formal attire, Horner received the honor at the investiture ceremony held at Buckingham Palace in London.
The latest accolade marks another crowning moment in the Briton’s career, adding to the OBE the 51-year-old earned back in 2013.
The timing of the recognition coincides with a particularly eventful year for Red Bull Racing. While Max Verstappen secured his fourth consecutive Drivers’ Championship under Horner’s guidance, the team faced tougher competition than in previous seasons.
Notably, McLaren and their driver Lando Norris surged into contention, ultimately dethroning Red Bull as Constructors' Champions for 2024. Despite this setback, Verstappen’s brilliance behind the wheel ensured that the team maintained its reputation for excellence.
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Horner’s leadership has been integral to Red Bull Racing’s success since its inception in 2005. Taking over what was then the struggling Jaguar Racing outfit, the Briton transformed the team into a powerhouse of Formula 1.
Under his stewardship, Red Bull achieved its first victory in 2009 and went on to claim eight Drivers’ Championships – equally split between Sebastian Vettel and Verstappen – and six Constructors’ Championships.
This year, however, presented fresh challenges, including the departure of several key personnel, most notably Adrian Newey, Red Bull’s Chief Technical Officer and one of the most renowned engineers in Formula 1.
Newey’s move to Aston Martin marked the end of an era, leaving Horner to navigate a period of transition while maintaining the team’s competitive edge.
Horner’s journey in motorsport began long before he took the reins at Red Bull. A former racing driver in his own right, he competed in Formula Renault and Formula 3000 before shifting to team management.
As co-founder of Arden International, he gained experience running teams in lower racing categories, which ultimately paved the way for his role in Formula 1.
This CBE places Horner among other motorsport legends who have been recognized by the British Royal Family.
He joins the ranks of figures like David Richards and John Surtees, and follows in the footsteps of motorsport giants who have received knighthoods, such as Lewis Hamilton, Frank Williams, and Ron Dennis.
It’s safe to say that Christian Horner has earned his place among motorsport royalty, both on the track and now, officially, at Buckingham Palace.
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