Christian Horner Says He Has ‘Unfinished Business’ in Formula 1

Christian Horner has spoken publicly for the first time since being removed from his role as team principal of Red Bull Racing, declaring that he still has “unfinished business” in Formula 1 and has not ruled out a return to the paddock.

Horner led Red Bull from its debut season in Formula 1 in 2005 until his surprise departure following last season’s British Grand Prix in July. His exit brought to an end one of the longest and most successful leadership tenures in modern Formula 1 and marked a shock moment within the Milton Keynes-based team.

Since leaving Red Bull, Horner has been strongly linked with a potential return to Formula 1 through various projects, most notably with Alpine. He has been associated with a consortium that held discussions over the possible purchase of Otro Capital’s 24 percent stake in the team, although no official agreement has been confirmed.

Speaking at the European Motor Show in Dublin, Horner made clear that while his desire to return to Formula 1 remains strong, he would only do so under the right circumstances.

“I feel like I have unfinished business in Formula One,” Horner said, as quoted by The Guardian.

“It didn’t finish the way that I would have liked it to finish.”

Horner stressed that any return would be driven by competitiveness rather than nostalgia, underlining that he has no interest in re-entering the sport without a clear purpose.

“But I am not going to come back for just anything,” he added.

“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.”

Despite his departure, Horner acknowledged that his emotional connection to Formula 1 remains strong, particularly to the people and structures he helped build over more than two decades.

“I miss the sport, I miss the people, I miss the team that I built,” he said.

“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.”

However, Horner was keen to point out that he is under no pressure to return, emphasising that any decision would be made on his own terms.

“I don’t need to go back. I could stop my career now,” he explained.

“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 share that desire.”

Horner also outlined the type of role he would seek if he were to re-enter Formula 1, making clear that he would want significant influence rather than a conventional employment position.

“I would want to be a partner, rather than just a hired hand,” he said.

“But we will see how it plays out. I am not in a rush. I don’t need to do anything.”

Notably, Horner admitted that the European Motor Show appearance marked his first public comments since leaving Red Bull, despite widespread speculation surrounding his future over the past six months.

“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,” he said.

“In the media, I have been going to every single Formula One team, from the back of the grid, to the middle, and to the front.”

Horner described the continued speculation as flattering, while acknowledging that practical constraints mean any move remains some way off.

“The reality is that until the spring I can’t do anything anyway,” he added.

“It is very flattering to keep being associated with all of these different teams.”

With one of the most decorated management careers in Formula 1 history behind him, Horner’s next move remains uncertain. However, his remarks underline that while he may be absent from the paddock for now, a return remains a real possibility—provided the right project presents itself.