Christian Horner Breaks Silence on F1 Future After Red Bull Departure
Christian Horner has spoken publicly for the first time since his departure from Red Bull, expressing his desire to return to Formula One but only under the right circumstances. The former team principal, who was dismissed last September, made his comments at the European Motor Show in Dublin on Saturday, where he admitted to having "unfinished business" in the sport.
"I Am Not Going to Come Back for Just Anything"
Horner emphasised that his potential return to the F1 paddock would be conditional on joining a team capable of winning. "I am not going to come back for just anything. I am only going to come back for something that can win," he stated. The 52-year-old, who oversaw eight drivers' and six constructors' titles during his 20-year tenure with Red Bull, added that he is "not in a rush" to make a comeback.
"I feel like I have unfinished business in Formula One. It didn't finish the way that I would have liked it to finish," Horner reflected. "But I don't need to go back. I could stop my career now. 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."
Horner's Departure from Red Bull and Future Prospects
Horner's exit from Red Bull followed allegations of "inappropriate behaviour" by a female colleague, which he consistently denied. He was exonerated for a second time of controlling behaviour by an independent KC. Since leaving the team, Horner has been linked with several F1 outfits, including Alpine, Aston Martin, and Ferrari.
Reports confirm that a Horner-led consortium has discussed purchasing Otro Capital's 24% stake in Alpine, a team that finished bottom of the constructors' championship last season. Horner acknowledged the speculation, saying, "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. [In the media] I have been going to every single Formula One team... And there just seems to be an appetite as to: 'What am I going to do? Where am I going to go?'"
Respect for Rival Toto Wolff and Competitive Spirit
Horner also addressed his well-documented rivalry with Mercedes' Toto Wolff, downplaying any personal animosity. "A lot of people made a lot out of the rivalry I had with him. I have a huge amount of respect for him. He has been tremendously successful," he said. "We are just different people, equally competitive, just different. And sport is boring if everybody is friendly and loves each other. You have got to have a rivalry that will create a real interest."
He highlighted that Alpine will be powered by Mercedes engines from this season until at least the end of 2030, but stressed that this would not deter him from potential involvement with the team.
Patient Approach to a Potential Comeback
Despite the flurry of rumours, Horner remains patient about his next move. "The reality is that until the spring I can't do anything anyway. It is very flattering to keep being associated with all of these different teams," he noted. He reiterated his desire to be a "partner, rather than just a hired hand" in any future F1 venture, underscoring his commitment to a winning culture.
Horner's comments reveal a strategic and measured approach to his F1 future, focusing on quality over haste as he contemplates a return to the sport he clearly misses.
