Former Red Bull Racing CEO and team principal Christian Horner and his wife Geri Halliwell-Horner are under fire after recent planning permission issues at their Oxford mansion.
The couple live in a grade II listed property, a former vicarage in Marston St Lawrence, in Oxfordshire. With plans now going ahead for the construction oak-framed pergola and gazebo in April of this year, it’s been reported that the couple didn’t receive planning consent, not only due to the listed nature of the property, but also the fact it’s in a designated conservation area.
Because of this, planning in a necessity.
On top of this, construction is also ongoing on an outdoor kitchen, which will be built alongside an existing helipad, orangery, stables, boating lake and two swimming pools.
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According to a report from the Daily Mail, the local council can order the family to demolish any work that has been done to the property without permission. The Horners are applying for retrospective planning permission, but it can still be rejected despite the work already being started.
The family applied for this retrospective planning permission the day before he was dropped from Red Bull after a string of disappointing results.
“Red Bull has released Christian Horner from his operational duties with effect from today,” Red Bull GmBH said in a statement.
Horner followed this up with a heartfelt post to the team’s many fans and followers:
“After an incredible journey of twenty years together, it is with a heavy heart that today I say goodbye to the Team I have absolutely loved. Every one of you, the amazing people at the factory, have been the heart and soul of everything that we have achieved. Win and lose, every step of the way, we have stood by each other as one and I will never forget that. It’s been a privilege being part of and leading this epic Team and I am so proud of our collective accomplishments and you all.
“Thanks to the amazing partners and fans who enabled us to go racing. Your support has helped grow the team from its humble beginnings to an F1 powerhouse that laid claim to 6 Constructors Championships and 8 Drivers Championships.
“Equally, thank you to our rivals, with whom there would be no racing at all. You’ve pushed us, challenged us, and enabled us to achieve accolades we never dreamed possible. The competition has made every victory sweeter and every setback an opportunity to develop and grow.
“Formula 1 is a sport built on relentless ambition, passion, and respect. The rivalries have been fierce, but the mutual drive to innovate and raise the bar is what has made this journey so special.
“It’s been an honour to be part of this incredible era of motorsport. I leave with immense pride in what we’ve achieved and also with what’s in the pipeline for 2026 — and huge respect for everyone who’s made F1 the pinnacle it is today. Thank You”