Christian Horner has once again grabbed the Formula 1 paddock's attention. The 52-year-old has admitted he is open to an F1 return, and in a surprising twist, he named Ferrari as the only team that could make him break his own rule.
Since being ousted from his roles as Red Bull team principal and CEO just days after last year's British Grand Prix, Horner has been linked with several teams. Alpine, Aston Martin, and even a new 12th team with China's BYD have all been mentioned. However, in a new interview with The Times, Horner insisted he would only return if he could secure an ownership stake in a team. Except, there is one exception.
“I’ve been a hired hand. I did 21 years sitting on the pit wall. I don’t need to go back to that,” Horner said. “At this stage in my life, there’s only one team for which I would accept non-participation in ownership. Would I consider Ferrari? I mean, Ferrari is the biggest brand in Formula 1. It’s the dream. And arguably it’s the sleeping giant of Formula 1.”
His comments come amid recent reports in Italian media suggesting that Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur's position is under scrutiny, with any hope of the Maranello squad winning a world title in 2026 seemingly over. Horner is clearly relishing the speculation. “I think the fact that, 14 months out of the sport, they’re still talking about me shows that there’s still a demand. Perhaps I wasn’t that unpopular,” he added.
When asked if he could be back on the F1 grid by next year, Horner replied in his typical fashion: “I don’t know. I’m the cure and the problem.” He clearly feels he has unfinished business in F1, including renewing his old rivalry with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff. “There comes a point in time where a team’s competitiveness outweighs other egotistical stuff,” he said.
“I’m in a very fortunate position that I can afford to be picky. If I don’t do anything, I can live here for whatever time I’ve got left on the planet, and just worry about whether it’s going to rain and make the grass green or not. But is that going to fulfil me? No. I still feel that there’s another dance. And Toto needs to have his hair f***ing ruffled up. He’s having it easy while I’m not there. So why would he want me back? I’m probably going to give him a harder time than anybody else.”
Horner's remarks will only fuel speculation in the paddock. Ferrari, still chasing its first title since 2008, might be tempted to bring in the man who led Red Bull to eight world championships. But with Horner's ownership principle, would Ferrari be willing to offer shares? Or is this just a power play to attract interest from other teams? One thing is for sure: Horner's name is hot in the F1 transfer market once again.
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