Christian Horner speaks openly about his future for the first time. A Formula 1 comeback is possible—but only if his sporting ambitions and influence are right.
Former Red Bull team boss Christian Horner has clearly signaled for the first time that he can imagine a return to Formula 1.
The Briton said he still had “unfinished business” in the premier class of motorsport, but also made it clear that a comeback would only be possible under certain conditions. Horner led Red Bull to great dominance in two different phases. During his tenure, the team won eight drivers’ titles, four each with Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, as well as six constructors’ world championships.
In July last year, his time at Red Bull came to an end after a downward trend in sporting performance and internal power struggles. The group’s management replaced Horner with the then Racing Bulls team boss Laurent Mekies. On Saturday, Horner spoke in detail about his future plans for the first time at the European Motor Show in Dublin. “I feel like I still have unfinished business in Formula 1,” he is quoted as saying by the PA news agency. “It didn’t end the way I would have liked. But I’m not coming back for anything. I’m only coming back for something that can win.”
What Horner misses about Formula 1
Horner went on to explain that he has no interest in returning to the paddock without sporting prospects. “I don’t want to return to the paddock if I have nothing to do. I miss the sport, I miss the people, I miss the team I built. I had 21 incredible years in Formula 1. I had a great time, won many races and championships, and worked with fantastic drivers, engineers, and partners.“
At the same time, the 52-year-old emphasized that he feels no pressure to continue his career. ”I don’t have to come back. I could end my career now. That’s why I would only return for the right opportunity, to work with great people and in an environment where everyone wants to win and shares that desire.“
Horner also hinted that he would be more interested in a partnership role. ”I would rather be a partner than just an employee, but we’ll see how that develops. I’m in no rush.”
Talks with all teams in the paddock
Since his departure from Red Bull, there has been speculation about Horner’s possible return to Formula 1. He would be free to join another team from spring onwards. As Horner is known to be interested in a stake in a team, joining via shares in a racing team is considered a plausible scenario.
Alpine is currently being touted as a possible option. Minority shareholder Otro Capital is said to be willing to sell its 24 percent stake. According to media reports, there have already been contacts with Horner in recent weeks. Alternatively, the Briton could also wait and see how the balance of power develops with a view to the 2026 season.
Horner confirmed that he had held talks throughout the paddock. “What was fascinating was that I left Red Bull on July 8 [2025], and this is the first time I’ve spoken to the media at all,” he said. “I’ve spoken to every single Formula 1 team, from the back of the field to the midfield to the front.”
He views the continued interest in him positively. “There seems to be a lot of curiosity about what I’m going to do next and where I’m going. The reality is that I can’t do anything until the spring anyway. It’s very flattering to be linked with all these different teams over and over again.” Horner had previously been linked with Aston Martin and Ferrari, among others.
