Christian Horner: Where will his next destination be in Formula 1?
After his departure from Red Bull, Christian Horner is free to return to Formula 1 in 2026. Speculation about his next team is intense. Andy Cowell, head of the Aston Martin team, revealed that Horner is contacting several team owners to explore his return. Horner reached a $100 million agreement with Red Bull, which will allow him to rejoin the paddock as early as next spring. It is rumored that he is not simply looking to repeat his former role as team principal and CEO, but rather to acquire a stake in a team to have a role of greater influence.Although his options seem limited, the possibilities of Horner joining different teams not owned by Red Bull have been analyzed.
Alpine
Alpine seems to be the most likely option for Horner. The team, formerly Renault, has lacked a clear vision and needs a strong figure to lead. With recent poor management, they are expected to finish at the bottom of the constructors’ standings this season. Flavio Briatore, a friend of Horner, returned to the team in an executive role to facilitate deals. Alpine has received significant investments and is open to more, which could align with Horner’s pursuit of acquiring a stake in a team. The existing relationship with Briatore, Alpine’s willingness to receive investments, and the team’s need for a figure like Horner make this option attractive. Furthermore, a possible collaboration with Toto Wolff, head of Mercedes, would create an interesting dynamic given his known rivalry with Horner.Probability: 9/10 – The most logical destination for Horner.Haas
The Haas team, with its smaller structure and a deteriorating factory, seems a less likely option due to the stance of its owner, Gene Haas, who is not interested in selling even a small stake in the team. A meeting between Horner and a representative of the owner confirmed this refusal. Gene Haas’s disagreement with former team boss Guenther Steiner was due to his refusal to accept external investments. Although the team could benefit from a financial injection, the owner does not seem willing to change his stance.Probability: 3/10 – Unlikely, but could be an unexpected bet.
Christian Horner with Adrian Newey, former colleague and F1 designer.
Aston Martin
Sources indicate that Horner is interested in Aston Martin, a team with a significant investment in its factory and aspirations to win titles. However, Aston Martin’s management structure already has important figures, making Horner’s potential role uncertain. Andy Cowell, CEO of Aston Martin, denied the possibility of Horner joining the team. Furthermore, Horner’s relationship with Jos Verstappen, Max Verstappen’s father, could hinder the latter’s arrival at Aston Martin.Probability: 1/10 – Although anything is possible in F1, this option is unlikely.
Ferrari
In June, Horner denied having been contacted by John Elkann, CEO of Ferrari, for a significant position. However, in July, Ferrari renewed Fred Vasseur’s contract, which rules out an immediate opportunity for Horner. Furthermore, the final control at Ferrari resides with Elkann, and Horner has expressed that he is not interested in being part of a broader corporate structure.Probability: 1/10 – A radical change would be needed for an opportunity to open.
Williams
There doesn’t seem to be any interest from either side in exploring an agreement between Williams and Horner. Team principal James Vowles indicated that there has been no contact with Horner since he left Red Bull, and Williams’ owners, Dorilton Capital, have indicated that their team is not for sale. Although Vowles did not completely rule out a possible collaboration in the future, he made it clear that they are happy with the current structure.
Probability: 1/10 – Never say never, but neither side has shown interest.Audi
Audi, which will become an “official” team in 2026, could represent an opportunity for Horner to join a new program from its inception. However, there doesn’t seem to be any evident public interest from Audi. Furthermore, Qatar Investment Authority’s investment in the team makes it difficult for Horner to acquire a significant stake.Probability: 1/10 – Unlikely.
Mercedes
As long as Toto Wolff remains at Mercedes, there is no possibility of Horner joining Red Bull’s rivals. The rivalry between the two is well known. Wolff, who owns a stake in the team, is something Horner seeks to replicate elsewhere, but it is unlikely that both will share the same garage.
Probability: 0/10 – Impossible while Wolff remains on the team.McLaren
Although McLaren CEO Zak Brown and Horner have a mutual aversion, McLaren’s ownership is held by Mumtalakat and CYVN Holdings. The investment required for a significant stake, added to McLaren’s transformation under Brown, make this option unlikely.Probability: 0/10 – Will never happen.Cadillac
Following Horner’s dismissal, he was linked with a position at Cadillac for 2026. However, Dan Towriss, CEO of Cadillac Formula 1, denied the rumors and stated that there have been no conversations. Cadillac will enter F1 with Graeme Lowdon as team principal.
Probability: 0/10 – Cadillac has ruled out Horner and there are no signs of interest from Horner.
