Transworld takes pole in seven-way auction for Christian Horner’s memoir

Transworld has bought Christian Horner’s memoir Drive, which sees the former Red Bull team principal and CEO “tell his story for the first time”.

Publishing director Henry Vines acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Harriet Poland at CAA, following a seven-way auction. Publication is scheduled for 22nd October 2026, with the audiobook read by Horner.

Horner was appointed team principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing in 2005 at 31 years of age, the youngest in the sport’s history. Under his leadership, Red Bull Racing won 14 Formula One World Championship titles. He was dismissed from Red Bull in 2025.

The publisher says his memoir "offers unprecedented access and a unique perspective on one of the most dramatic periods Formula 1 has ever seen, and tells the inside story of how an operation acquired for £1 established itself as one of the most valuable and recognisable sports teams in the world".

Its description goes on: “In Drive, Horner reveals the decision-making, relationships and defining moments that shaped a remarkable career. He also reflects on the challenges of building a team, managing elite talent, navigating periods of success and adversity, and leading under the intense scrutiny that accompanies life at the pinnacle of international competition. Rich with personal reflections, behind-the-scenes stories from the paddock and insights into the personalities at the heart of F1, Drive is a gripping account of what it takes to grow, sustain and lead a championship-winning team in one of the most demanding environments in sport.”

Horner commented: “Formula One is ultimately a people business. While the sport is often defined by the cars, the victories and the championships, what stays with me most are the people, the decisions, the challenges and the extraordinary cast of characters I encountered along the way. This book is my reflection on an incredible 20-year journey and the many individuals who helped shape it.”

Vines commented: “Christian has an extraordinary story to tell, and we are immensely proud to be publishing his memoir this autumn. Unguarded and packed with remarkable personal revelations and Formula One insights, Drive offers an entirely new perspective on both the man and the sport.”