Christian Horner Breaks Silence on F1 Future After Red Bull Departure
Christian Horner has publicly addressed his future in Formula One for the first time since his controversial exit from Red Bull, stating he would only return to the sport for a project capable of winning. The former team principal, speaking at the European Motor Show in Dublin on Saturday, revealed he feels he has "unfinished business" in F1 but emphasised he is prepared to wait for the right opportunity.
"I Have Unfinished Business in Formula One"
Horner, who was dismissed by Red Bull last September after 21 years with the team, acknowledged his departure did not conclude as he would have preferred. "I feel like I have unfinished business in Formula One," he stated. "It didn't finish the way that I would have liked it to finish."
The 52-year-old oversaw an era of remarkable success at Red Bull, securing eight drivers' championships and six constructors' titles during his tenure. However, his exit followed allegations of inappropriate behaviour by a female colleague, which he consistently denied and was ultimately exonerated from after an independent investigation.
Selective About Potential Comeback
Horner made clear that his potential return to the F1 paddock would be highly selective. "I am not going to come back for just anything," he declared. "I am only going to come back for something that can win. I don't want to go back in the paddock unless I have something to do."
Despite missing the sport, its people, and the team he built, Horner stressed he is in no rush to make a comeback. "I don't need to go back. I could stop my career now," he explained. "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, and they shared that desire."
Potential Alpine Investment and Other Opportunities
Recent reports have linked Horner with potential moves to several teams, including Alpine, Aston Martin, and Ferrari. Alpine confirmed last week that Horner is among a group interested in investing in the team, specifically discussing purchasing Otro Capital's 24% stake in the French manufacturer.
Horner addressed the speculation surrounding his future, noting: "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, which has ranged from the back of the grid, to the middle of the grid, and to the front of the grid."
He added that the reality of his situation means he cannot make any moves until spring, describing the ongoing speculation as "very flattering."
Relationship with Rival Toto Wolff
Horner also commented on his well-documented rivalry with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, particularly relevant given Alpine's new engine partnership with Mercedes from this season until at least 2030. "A lot of people made a lot out of the rivalry I had with him," Horner said. "I have a huge amount of respect for him. He has been tremendously successful. He has won a huge amount. He is very bright."
He suggested that such rivalries are essential for the sport's appeal, stating: "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."
Horner concluded by reiterating his patient approach to any potential F1 return, emphasising he would want to be "a partner, rather than just a hired hand" in any future venture, while acknowledging "we will see how it plays out."
