Christian Horner was sacked as Red Bull team principal in July before his official exit was agreed in September, and he has now spoken publicly for the first time since
Christian Horner has admitted he misses Formula One and feels he has unfinished business in the sport, speaking publicly for the first time since his departure from Red Bull. The 52-year-old was dismissed as Red Bull team principal following July’s British Grand Prix, with his official exit agreed in September.
During his two-decade stint with Red Bull, Horner presided over a remarkable era of success, securing eight drivers’ and six constructors’ championships. Red Bull’s decision to part ways with him came 18 months after he faced allegations of ‘inappropriate behaviour’ from a female colleague. Horner consistently denied these claims and was cleared for a second time of controlling behaviour by an independent KC.
Last week, Alpine revealed that Horner is amongst those considering an investment in the team. Speaking at the European Motor Show in Dublin on Saturday, Horner broke his silence, saying: “I feel like I have unfinished business in Formula One. It didn’t finish the way that I would have liked it to finish.
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“But I am not going to come back for just anything. I am only going to come back for something that can win. I don’t want to go back in the paddock unless I have something to do.
“I miss the sport, I miss the people, I miss the team that I built. I had 21 incredible years in Formula One. I had a great run, won a lot of races, championships and worked with some amazing drivers, engineers and partners.
Horner continued: “I don’t need to go back. I could stop my career now. So I would only go back for the right opportunity to work with great people, and to work in an environment where people want to win, and they shared that desire.
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“I would want to be a partner, rather than just a hired hand, but we will see how it plays out. I am not in a rush. I don’t need to do anything.”
Horner has been at the centre of speculation linking him with Alpine – after a consortium he’s involved with reportedly explored acquiring Otro Capital’s 24 per cent shareholding in the team – who endured a dismal campaign last year, finishing rock bottom of the constructors’ standings.
The former Red Bull boss has also been touted for potential moves to Aston Martin and Ferrari. Horner added: “What has been fascinating is that I stepped out of Red Bull on July 8, and this is the first time I have actually spoken to anyone.
“(In the media) I think I have been going to every single Formula One team, which has ranged from the back of the grid, to the middle of the grid, and to the front of the grid. And there just seems to be an appetite as to: ‘What am I going to do? Where am I going to go?’
“The reality is that until the spring I can’t do anything anyway. It is very flattering to keep being associated with all of these different teams.”
Alpine has secured Mercedes power units from this season through to at least 2030. Toto Wolff, Horner’s former adversary, serves as CEO and co-owner of the Mercedes outfit.
Yet Horner observed: “A lot of people made a lot out of the rivalry I had with him. I have a huge amount of respect for him. He has been tremendously successful. He has won a huge amount. He is very bright.
“We are just different people, equally competitive, just different. And sport is boring if everybody is friendly and loves each other.
“You have got to have a rivalry that will create a real interest. The worst thing is if everyone is too nicey-nicey and chummy.”
