Horner seeks F1 team: Where will he land after Red Bull? Analysis and rumors.

Christian Horner: Where will the former Red Bull boss land in 2026?

Following his departure from Red Bull, speculation about Christian Horner’s future in Formula 1 is at its peak. The former Red Bull team principal, now free to return in 2026, has piqued the interest of several teams, with the aim of finding a new project.

Horner is calling almost all team owners.

Andy Cowell, head of Aston Martin

Horner reached a $100 million agreement with Red Bull, which will allow him to return to the paddock as early as next spring. However, he is not simply looking to repeat his former role as team principal and CEO, but rather to find business partners to help him acquire a stake in a team, which would return him to a position of significant power. Although the options seem limited, the interest is evident. We analyze the probability of Horner joining any of the teams not owned by Red Bull next year.

Alpine

Alpine seems to be the most viable option for Horner. The team, which was renamed in 2021, has lacked a clear vision and needs a strong leadership figure. With a recent investment of $218.10 million from a consortium that includes Rory McIlroy, Patrick Mahomes, and Anthony Joshua, Alpine is open to more external investments. Horner’s relationship with Flavio Briatore, who returned to Alpine in an executive position, and the team’s need for strong leadership, make him an attractive option. In addition, Horner’s arrival would create an interesting dynamic when working with Toto Wolff, head of Mercedes, due to Alpine’s engine agreement.Probability: 9/10

Haas

Haas, the American team, seems an unlikely option due to the stance of its owner, Gene Haas. Despite the rise of F1, Haas is not interested in selling even a small part of the team, and it is rumored that the refusal to accept external investments was the cause of Guenther Steiner’s departure. Although Haas could benefit from the investment that a consortium led by Horner could bring, the owner’s lack of interest makes it an unlikely option.Probability: 3/10

Aston Martin

Aston Martin, with its investment in the Silverstone factory, could be an attractive option for Horner. However, Aston Martin’s management structure, with important figures, and CEO Andy Cowell’s refusal to confirm his arrival, decrease the probability. Furthermore, Lawrence Stroll’s interest in attracting Max Verstappen from Red Bull and Horner’s tense relationship with Verstappen’s father, Jos, could hinder his arrival.Probability: 1/10

Ferrari

In June, Horner denied having been contacted by Ferrari CEO John Elkann. However, the renewal of team principal Fred Vasseur’s contract and Horner’s desire not to be part of a broader corporate structure make this option unlikely.Probability: 1/10

Williams

It doesn’t seem like there’s any interest from either side in exploring an agreement between Williams and Horner. Team principal James Vowles has indicated that there has been no contact and that the team is not for sale.Probability: 1/10

Audi

Audi, which will become an official team in 2026, could represent a great opportunity for Horner. However, the lack of public interest and the recent investment by Qatar Investment Authority in the team make this option unlikely.Probability: 1/10

Mercedes

As long as Toto Wolff remains at Mercedes, Horner’s arrival is impossible. Wolff has expressed that he misses his rivalry with Horner, but his position as co-owner of the team makes this option unfeasible.Probability: 0/10

McLaren

The bad relationship between Zak Brown, McLaren CEO, and Horner, along with the team’s ownership structure, make this option very unlikely. McLaren is valued at a high figure, and Horner’s arrival would displace or alter the existing leadership structure.Probability: 0/10

Cadillac

Cadillac, which will debut in 2026, publicly ruled out the possibility of a collaboration with Horner. Cadillac CEO Dan Towriss denied the rumors and confirmed that there were no conversations.Probability: 0/10