Christian Horner remains in the spotlight amid speculation about a Formula 1 comeback following his Red Bull departure. The 51-year-old was axed earlier this year by the Milton Keynes outfit after a hugely successful two-decade tenure.
Following his role in guiding Red Bull to a remarkable 14 drivers’ and constructors’ championships combined, Horner was dismissed from his position in July and officially bid farewell to the paddock in September after securing an £80million pay off.
Unsurprisingly, conjecture about Horner’s next move has been widespread, with whispers suggesting he could stage a return in April 2026. From speculation linking him to Ferrari to suggestions of an F1 comeback backed by billionaire investors, Mirror Sport rounds up all the latest developments surrounding the former Red Bull team boss.
Lewis Hamilton dismisses Ferrari rumours
As Ferrari’s pursuit of world championship glory continues to stumble, suggestions have emerged that come April, current team principal Fred Vasseur might be replaced by Horner.
Vasseur penned a contract extension in July designed to secure his position beyond the 2026 regulation overhaul. The team’s star driver Lewis Hamilton faced questions about Horner at the United States Grand Prix, but swiftly dismissed them as “a distraction.”
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Hamilton thinks rumours about Horner are distracting(Image: Getty)
“I don’t know and I’m not going to entertain rumours,” Hamilton responded when pressed about the Horner speculation. “It’s distracting for us as a team.
“Obviously the team have made it clear where they stand in terms of re-signing Fred and Fred and I and the whole team are working really hard on the future for the team. These things naturally aren’t helpful. Everyone at the factory is working incredibly hard and is focused and these rumours can be distracting.”
Billionaire backers could offer Christian Horner a comeback
Another potential destination for Horner might be an entirely fresh F1 outfit. Cadillac are set to join the grid in 2026, but according to The Times, wealthy investors have approached Horner about leading a 12th team.
The report indicates that backers would provide a £1.5billion war chest to acquire an existing outfit or establish a completely new operation, with Horner potentially installed as team boss.
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Horner has been the subject of interest for rumoured investors(Image: Getty)
F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem are said to back such a proposal once Horner is permitted to return to the paddock in April.
Nevertheless, it’s believed the uncertainty surrounding the 2026 regulation overhaul may make current teams reluctant to sell. A partnership with Aston Martin has also been floated.
Ferrari compelled to issue statement
With Vasseur still under mounting pressure despite his contract extension, Ferrari were obliged to release a statement regarding their team principal at the US Grand Prix.
John Elkann, the chairman of Ferrari, has thrown his full support behind team principal Vasseur amid ongoing speculation about his future.
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Elkann was forced to back his team principal(Image: Getty)
Speaking at an event for the National Italian American Foundation in Washington DC, he said: “I want to express our full confidence in our team principal, Fred Vasseur.
“I want to express our confidence in the work he is carrying out together with all our colleagues at Scuderia Ferrari – the mechanics, engineers, and drivers competing this weekend in Austin.
“I also want to reaffirm the importance of teamwork by everyone to maintain focus on the only goal that matters: always giving our very best on the track.”