Sports · Motorsport · 2 hrs ago
Christian Horner says he experienced panic attacks during his time in F1
Christian Horner, 52, says he experienced panic attacks while working in Formula 1.
He was Red Bull’s team principal for about two decades before the team dismissed him in July 2025.
Horner says the pressure of his job contributed to episodes where he felt dizzy and struggled with his breathing.
After medical checks found no physical cause, he was told the symptoms could be anxiety.
His dismissal came days after his first wife, Beverley Allen, died of cancer.
Horner said he focused on supporting their 11-year-old daughter, Olivia, who was grieving her mother.
He says the experience helped him understand the mental health challenges that can follow when work and identity are closely linked.
Christian Horner says he experienced panic attacks while working in Formula 1.
The former Red Bull team principal described feeling dizzy and becoming conscious of his breathing.
He said medical checks found nothing physically wrong and that he was told he had anxiety.
Horner also said his departure from Red Bull came just after the death of his first wife, Beverley Allen.
- Who
- Christian Horner, former Red Bull team principal.
- What
- He said he experienced panic attacks during his time in Formula 1.
- When
- During his time in Formula 1; the specific dates are not stated.
- Where
- Formula 1; the specific location is not stated.
- Why
- Horner said his body was telling him he was pushing hard. He was told he had anxiety.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Red Bull sacked Horner after two decades as team principal.
Horner’s first wife, Beverley Allen, died following a battle with cancer.
- Role
- Former Red Bull team principal
- Red Bull tenure
- Two decades
- Sacking
- July 2025
- First wife
- Beverley Allen
- Daughter
- Olivia was 11 at the time of her mother’s death
What people are saying
I didn’t know what it was. You suddenly feel dizzy and conscious of your breathing and you think there’s something strange going on.
I got checked out and there was nothing physically the matter. They said: ‘We think you have anxiety. Your breathing’s very shallow'.
It was my body telling me you’re pushing pretty hard here. I’m able to recognise the symptoms now and let it go, and breathe.
Sources
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