Christian Horner Eyes F1 Return After Talks With All Teams

Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Former Christian Horner has revealed 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 phase for Red Bull, as the team endured a notable dip in form. Despite the abrupt exit, it quickly became clear that the British executive was open to returning to Formula 1, with indications that any comeback would be in a more senior, strategic position than his previous team principal role.

Speaking publicly for the first time in some detail since leaving Red Bull, Horner confirmed that he has not limited himself to a single option and has instead engaged in wide-ranging conversations across the paddock while maintaining a relatively low public profile.

“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 potential return to Alpine F1 Team. Those rumours intensified after Flavio Briatore confirmed that discussions had taken place with the 52-year-old regarding future involvement with the Enstone-based outfit.

Alpine’s ownership structure adds further intrigue to the situation. A 24 per cent stake in the team is currently held by Otro Capital, backed by a group of high-profile investors. However, reports suggest Otro Capital is exploring the potential sale of its shares, a move that could trigger wider changes within the team’s management and strategic direction.

Addressing the speculation surrounding his future, Horner stressed that he would only consider returning to Formula 1 under the right conditions, placing emphasis on alignment, ambition, and a genuine commitment to winning.

“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 who are like-minded and want to win. I’ve got no interest in just taking part.”

With his experience and track record at the top level of the sport, Horner remains one of the most influential figures currently outside the Formula 1 pit wall. Any decision on his return is likely to carry significant implications for the competitive and political landscape of the grid heading into the next regulatory cycle.