Christian Horner, the former Red Bull Racing team principal, has released a new memoir, "Drive," which offers an intimate account of his personal and professional life while notably downplaying a scandal that nearly ended his marriage and affected his Formula One career.
Horner, who has been married to singer Geri Halliwell since 2015, faced public scrutiny after it was revealed in 2024 that he had sent numerous inappropriate text messages to a female aide. The messages, which included requests for pictures and flirtatious exchanges, became public following a probe into his conduct. Horner was ultimately cleared of any inappropriate or controlling behavior in an independent investigation. The accuser, whose identity remains confidential, was suspended on full pay by Red Bull and later left the company after accepting a £3 million settlement, signing a non-disclosure agreement and dropping her claims. She subsequently faced dismissal from another racing role amid reported “trust issues.”
Horner’s memoir, published by Penguin Random House, focuses heavily on his marriage to Halliwell, describing her as a pillar of strength during a tumultuous period. He writes about how Halliwell provided stability and resilience as he faced both personal and professional challenges, though the book avoids detailing the sexting scandal or its aftermath. Horner does not address the reasons behind the sacking from Red Bull after two decades, attributing his departure primarily to team performance issues rather than the controversy.
In the memoir, Horner recounts his relationship history with Halliwell, painting their courtship and marriage in a positive light while giving brief mention to his previous partner, Beverley Allen, with whom he had a daughter, Olivia. He acknowledges their relationship had evolved into friendship before it ended, but omits detailed discussion of the difficult circumstances surrounding his new relationship. Horner describes proposing to Halliwell during a hike on Mount Fuji and highlights their family life, including raising Halliwell’s daughter from a previous relationship and the birth of their son Monty.
Horner also addresses the public and media backlash he encountered during his time in Formula One, notably following his appearances on Netflix’s "Drive to Survive." The increased exposure brought a level of scrutiny he had not previously experienced, leading to negative reactions from fans and commentators alike. Horner credits Halliwell with helping him manage the pressures of fame and the “cutthroat politics” within the sport.
The memoir touches on more personal territory as well, including the recent death of Beverley Allen from cancer and its impact on their daughter. Horner reflects on the difficulty of discussing her condition with Olivia and the challenges the family faced during that time.
Following the controversy and Horner’s £67 million settlement with Red Bull, the couple is said to be considering purchasing a new estate in Oxfordshire. Throughout the book, Horner maintains an emphasis on family and resilience, while avoiding direct commentary on the scandal that marked the darker chapters of his career.