Former Red Bull boss Christian Horner has found himself at the centre of criticism after admitting that leading Ferrari would be "the dream". The comment, made in an interview with The Times, has drawn a sharp response from former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher, who labelled Horner's public flirtation as "embarrassing".
Horner, who was ousted from Red Bull over a year ago, has been linked with several teams. He has reportedly set a condition for any return: part-ownership of the team. However, he would make an exception for Ferrari. "At this stage in my life, there's only one team for which I would accept non-participation in ownership," Horner said. "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."
Schumacher, speaking on Sky Germany's Backstage Boxengase podcast, did not hold back. "To curry favour like that, that's embarrassing enough. He constantly links himself to all kinds of teams," he said. "He more or less says himself: apparently I'm immediately a candidate to become team boss at any team as soon as a spot opens up somewhere. If he was actually interested or if there was interest from Ferrari, then you wouldn't do it that way. Therefore, this is simply an indictment of poverty. I don't understand it."
The German added that Horner's remarks mark a fall from grace. "It's still funny, but also a shame. He was such a successful man and now he only tells stories like that." Horner's legacy as one of the most successful team principals in modern F1, with multiple championships at Red Bull, is now being questioned.
If Ferrari were to part ways with current team principal Fred Vasseur, Schumacher believes Andreas Seidl would be a strong candidate. "Andreas Seidl would be a great alternative for Ferrari in terms of character," he said. "Andreas is also someone whose character would be able to tell the two drivers how he imagines it. He would also pick the team up in a different way. He would be a good choice for Ferrari if Fred Vasseur is even up for discussion." Seidl, currently CEO of Sauber Motorsport, is known for his calm and methodical approach.
Speculation over Vasseur's future has been swirling, and Horner's comments only added fuel to the fire. However, Ferrari have publicly maintained their confidence in Vasseur. Chief Communication Officer Maria Conti stated on Tuesday: "We have confidence in Fred Vasseur and in his team, and we continue to do so. And the position is clear, but not just now. We already confirmed in the past." This reaffirms Ferrari's stance and dismisses any notion that Vasseur's seat is under threat.
Horner's manoeuvre highlights his enduring desire for a top role in F1. With his track record, he remains an attractive prospect for any team. But the manner in which he expressed interest in Ferrari has been deemed lacking in class by some, including Schumacher. As the new season approaches, the political landscape in F1's upper echelons is heating up.
Baca Juga
Lewis Hamilton dituding menggerogoti otoritas Fred Vasseur di Ferrari. Simak analisis David Croft soal struktur kepemimpinan di Maranello.
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Christian Horner dikritik pedas oleh Ralf Schumacher setelah mengaku memimpin Ferrari adalah impian. Simak analisis lengkap dan dampaknya bagi masa depan Vasseur di F1.
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