Christian Horner Confirms F1 Talks With Entire Grid

Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Former Christian Horner has confirmed that he has held discussions with “pretty much every team on the grid” as he explores a potential return to Formula 1, following his departure as team principal of Red Bull Racing midway through last season.

Horner was removed from his role during a difficult period for Red Bull, as the Milton Keynes-based squad endured a sustained downturn in performance. Despite the abrupt nature of his exit, it soon became clear that the British executive was actively considering a return to the Formula 1 paddock, potentially in a role carrying broader authority than his previous position.

Speaking publicly about his situation, Horner explained that he has deliberately avoided focusing on a single opportunity, instead engaging in wide-ranging conversations across the grid while maintaining a relatively low public profile since leaving Red Bull.

“So far, I’ve been going to pretty much every team on the grid,” Horner told Today Show Australia.
“I’ve spoken very little publicly since I left Red Bull.”

In recent weeks, Horner has been strongly linked with a possible return to Alpine F1 Team. Those rumours gained further credibility after Flavio Briatore confirmed that discussions had taken place with the 52-year-old regarding future involvement with the Enstone-based operation.

Alpine’s ownership structure has also become part of the wider context surrounding the speculation. A 24 per cent stake in the team is currently held by Otro Capital, which is backed by several high-profile investors. However, the investment group has been exploring the potential sale of its shares, raising the prospect of strategic and managerial changes within the team.

Addressing the rumours surrounding his future, Horner stressed that any return to Formula 1 would be driven by ambition rather than mere participation, underlining that alignment of vision and competitive intent would be decisive factors.

“It’s flattering that there’s often speculation that I’m going to this team or that team,” Horner said.
“That kind of speculation is rife in Formula 1.”

“I’ll only come back for the right opportunity, working with the right people that are like-minded and want to win. I’ve got no interest in just taking part.”

With extensive experience at the highest level of Formula 1 management, Horner remains one of the most influential figures currently outside the pit lane. Any decision regarding his return is expected to have significant implications for the competitive and political landscape of the championship moving forward.