Christian Horner isn’t done with Formula 1, and he’s not pretending otherwise.
The former Red Bull boss has admitted he still misses the sport and feels he has “unfinished business” following his shock
sacking in 2025, which ended a 20-year reign as one of F1’s most powerful team principals.
Speaking at the European Motor Show in Dublin, the 52-year-old was candid about how his Red Bull chapter closed.
“It didn’t finish the way I would have liked it to finish,” Horner said, adding that while he’s open to a return, it would only be on his terms.
“I’m not going to come back for just anything. I’m only going to come back for something that can win.”
Horner’s resume gives him the luxury of being picky. Since joining Red Bull in 2005, he oversaw eight drivers’ world championships and six constructors’ titles, building the team into a modern F1 powerhouse.
Walking away from that hasn’t been easy.
“I miss the sport. I miss the people. I miss the team that I built,” he admitted. “But I don’t want to go back into the paddock unless I have something meaningful to do.”
Crucially, Horner insists there’s no desperation driving his thinking.
Financially secure after reportedly agreeing to an £80 million payout, he says he could walk away tomorrow if he wanted.
“I don’t need to go back. I could stop my career now,” he said. “So it has to be the right opportunity, with the right people, in an environment that genuinely wants to win.”
That opportunity may yet come. Alpine confirmed last week that discussions are underway with Horner regarding a potential minority stake in the Renault-owned team, a prospect that appears to align with his desire for influence beyond a standard management role.
“I’d want to be a partner, not just a hired hand,” Horner said.
Unsurprisingly, the rumours of a return have been rife. Ferrari, Aston Martin, and now Alpine have all been linked with him.
“Apparently, I’ve been going to every team on the grid,” he joked. “It’s flattering, but the reality is I can’t do anything until the spring anyway.”
