Christian Horner Breaks Silence on Red Bull Exit and Future F1 Ambitions
Christian Horner has publicly addressed his departure from Red Bull Racing for the first time, admitting he misses Formula One and feels he has unfinished business in the sport. The 52-year-old was dismissed as Red Bull team principal following July's British Grand Prix, with his official exit finalised in September last year.
Two Decades of Dominance and Sudden Departure
During his remarkable two-decade tenure with Red Bull, Horner presided over one of the most successful periods in Formula One history. Under his leadership, the team secured eight drivers' championships and six constructors' championships, establishing themselves as a dominant force in the sport. His departure came 18 months after facing allegations of inappropriate behaviour from a female colleague, which he consistently denied and was cleared of for a second time by an independent KC.
"I Have Unfinished Business"
Speaking at the European Motor Show in Dublin on Saturday, Horner broke his prolonged silence about his future in Formula One. "I feel like I have unfinished business in Formula One," Horner revealed. "It didn't finish the way that I would have liked it to finish. But I am not going to come back for just anything. I am only going to come back for something that can win."
The former team principal emphasised his selective approach to any potential return, stating: "I don't want to go back in the paddock unless I have something to do. I miss the sport, I miss the people, I miss the team that I built. I had 21 incredible years in Formula One. I had a great run, won a lot of races, championships and worked with some amazing drivers, engineers and partners."
Investment Speculation and Team Links
Horner has been at the centre of intense speculation about his next move within Formula One. Last week, Alpine revealed that Horner is amongst those considering an investment in the team, with reports suggesting a consortium he's involved with explored acquiring Otro Capital's 24 per cent shareholding. Alpine endured a dismal campaign last year, finishing rock bottom of the constructors' standings.
The former Red Bull boss has also been linked with potential moves to Aston Martin and Ferrari. Horner addressed the swirling rumours, 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 think 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."
Selective Return Criteria
Horner outlined specific criteria for any potential return to Formula One, emphasising quality over urgency. "I don't need to go back. I could stop my career now," he stated. "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. I would want to be a partner, rather than just a hired hand, but we will see how it plays out. I am not in a rush. I don't need to do anything."
He added that the reality of his situation means "until the spring I can't do anything anyway" but acknowledged that "it is very flattering to keep being associated with all of these different teams."
Respect for Rivals and Competitive Spirit
Horner also addressed his relationship with former rival Toto Wolff, CEO and co-owner of Mercedes, as Alpine has secured Mercedes power units from this season through to at least 2030. "A lot of people made a lot out of the rivalry I had with him," Horner observed. "I have a huge amount of respect for him. He has been tremendously successful. He has won a huge amount. He is very bright. We are just different people, equally competitive, just different."
The former team principal defended the importance of rivalry in the sport, concluding: "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. The worst thing is if everyone is too nicey-nicey and chummy."
