Christian Horner clarifies what he really meant by his comments about Ferrari – it was never his aim to take over from Frederic Vasseur
About a month ago, comments made by Christian Horner made the headlines. The long-serving Red Bull team principal gave a lengthy interview to The Times, which left many with the impression that Horner was putting himself forward for a role at Ferrari – even though the team currently has a team principal in Frederic Vasseur.
Ferrari is “the biggest brand in Formula 1” and a “dream”, Horner said during the interview, amongst other things. Several experts subsequently criticised Horner’s comments; Ralf Schumacher, for example, described his behaviour as “appalling” and “embarrassing”.
Speaking to Sky, the Briton has now clarified that he never had his sights set on Vasseur’s job. “I really felt very sorry for him because of the speculation that was triggered by it,” Horner said of the current Ferrari team principal.
He explained: “[Die Aussage] came from an interview that had been conducted about a month before publication.” And because, at the very moment of publication, there were parallel reports of internal tensions at Ferrari, a false impression was created.
“It all got a bit out of hand, somehow. I wanted to be respectful towards Ferrari and point out that the team is different from other teams and holds a special place in this sport,” emphasises Horner.
Horner stands by his stance: no comeback at any price
“As I have myself once led a competitive team and know the kind of attention that entails, I felt sorry for Fred that it triggered so much attention and so much media coverage, particularly at a time when they were obviously going through a difficult phase,” says the 52-year-old.
In the same interview, Horner also makes it clear once again that, whilst he is certainly interested in a return to Formula 1 in principle, it would not be at any price. “There are currently eleven teams in Formula 1. The value of these teams has risen dramatically across the board,” explains Horner.
“Should the right opportunity arise with a team, I would certainly give it serious consideration,” he reveals, but also emphasises: “However, if that isn’t the case, that’s fine by me too.” He says he is currently “not on the lookout for a specific opportunity”.
“I’m just sitting back, watching the sport and taking some time out. I’ve competed in 404 races in a row. Now I’m enjoying time with my family and am no longer subject to the crazy travel schedule that Formula 1 currently entails,” says Horner.
“I’m just waiting and seeing how things develop,” says the long-serving Red Bull team principal.