Christian Horner’s talks with Red Bull’s F1 rivals emerge as return edges closer
Christian Horner has been in talks with Ferrari as he looks to make a return to Formula 1, with the former Red Bull team principal also having held discussions for other roles
Former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has reportedly been in unexpected talks with Ferrari as he eyes a Formula 1 comeback. The 51-year-old left his role back in July and is said to have been in discussions with Ferrari behind closed doors.
Horner saw his exit officially ratified a few weeks ago with a whopping £80million severance package after allegations of ‘coercive behaviour’ towards a female staff member. It’s said that she too has left Red Bull and joined another team in the sport.
Despite the accusations, Horner denied any wrongdoing and was cleared in internal hearings overseen by two KCs. He hasn’t been seen at a race since the British Grand Prix back in July, but this could change soon.
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The Daily Mail suggests that Ferrari is courting Horner to potentially become their new team principal, although talks with other outfits have also occurred.
It’s also reported that Ferrari chairman John Elkann lacks confidence in Fred Vasseur, the man currently at the helm.
Ferrari have had a mixed season so far, with drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton sitting fifth and sixth in the standings, respectively.
Horner enjoyed an impressive two decades at Red Bull, overseeing a total of 14 world titles and winning six constructors’ championships during his 20-year tenure.
Horner, who has kept a low profile in recent months, announced earlier this month that he will be making a public appearance in January 2026 as a keynote speaker at the European Motor Show.
“Ireland has a rich motorsport heritage and I am honoured to join the inaugural European Motor Show,” he expressed.
“I look forward to engaging discussions on the future of performance, innovation and the people driving change in our sport.”
As for his potential return to Formula 1, it’s been disclosed that he’s been in contact with Ferrari, Aston Martin, and Haas. Ayao Komatsu revealed during the Singapore Grand Prix that ‘exploratory talks’ have taken place with the latter team.
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If nothing comes of these negotiations, Horner could still be set for a new job in F1 with former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner of the belief he would be great as a pundit.
He said: “I think he gets busy pretty quick, but I don’t know. I haven’t spoken with him since he left Red Bull, so I don’t know what’s in his mind, what he wants to do. Maybe he just wants to go back into it, could easily be, but maybe he’s happy to do something else.
“I mean, Christian could easily go on TV, on Sky. It’s perfect: He’s British, and he knows the sport very well. But, I think he needs to give himself a little bit of time to calm down, not to take the first opportunity, but to see around, what else is around.”
