Christian Horner is set to make a surprise return to the Formula 1 paddock at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone on Sunday, just over a year after he was relieved of his Red Bull duties. Mirror Sport was informed in the Silverstone paddock on Saturday morning that Horner is expected to be back before the cameras at Silverstone on Sunday.
Horner's Departure and Recent Activities
He was removed from his Red Bull role just two days following the British Grand Prix last July and has been largely quiet since, other than appearances at other sporting events. He has previously been spotted at MotoGP and Formula E events while working behind the scenes on a memoir, which was revealed on Saturday and is scheduled for publication in October.
The book, titled 'DRIVE', will recount tales from his 20 years at the helm of Red Bull and will undoubtedly feature explosive anecdotes from his numerous clashes with opponents over the years. In a statement backing the promotion of the memoir, Horner said: "F1 is ultimately a people business. While the sport is often defined by the cars, the victories and the championships, what stays with me most are the people, the decisions, the challenges and the extraordinary cast of characters I encountered along the way. This book is my reflection on an incredible 20-year journey and the many individuals who helped shape it."
Potential Return to F1
Horner remains committed to securing a return to F1 and, for several months, was most prominently associated with an attempt to purchase the 24 percent stake in the Alpine team being sold by Otro Capital. Flavio Briatore acknowledged his interest back in February, but discussions have since stalled with Renault chief Francois Provost recently stating there are no ongoing negotiations with him.
He appears to have now turned his attention to a venture with Chinese carmaker BYD to establish what would be a 12th F1 team. Horner has been spotted with the company's executive vice president Stella Li at public gatherings in recent months.
Horner's Legacy and Controversies
His attraction to potential backers is clear: Horner achieved extraordinary success over those 20 years at the helm of Red Bull, converting the team from middling newcomers into an operation which has secured eight drivers' titles and six constructors' championships, making both Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen four-time champions in the process.
Undoubtedly, though, there is also history. Having at times welcomed his 'pantomime villain' persona, Horner created adversaries both inside and outside Red Bull. A potential return to the F1 paddock, and even his brief appearance at Silverstone on Sunday, will not be received positively by everyone.
