Christian Horner has spoken openly about his strong desire to return to Formula One, describing it as "unfinished business" after his controversial exit from Red Bull Racing last year. The 52-year-old former team principal, who was dismissed in July following a high-profile scandal, made his first public comments on the matter at the European Motor Show in Dublin.
Breaking His Silence
Horner, who led Red Bull for two decades, revealed that he turned down a larger financial settlement to preserve his ability to return to the F1 paddock as early as this spring. "I feel like I have unfinished business in Formula One," Horner stated. "It didn't finish the way that I would have liked it to finish."
The former team boss emphasised that he would only consider a return under specific conditions. "I am not going to come back for just anything. I am only going to come back for something that can win," he declared. "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."
Career Reflections and Future Criteria
Reflecting on his 21-year tenure in Formula One, Horner acknowledged his successful track record while outlining what would motivate a comeback. "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," he said.
"I don't need to go back. I could stop my career now. 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," Horner explained. He added that he would prefer to be "a partner, rather than just a hired hand" in any future role.
Background to the Departure
Horner's departure from Red Bull came after allegations of sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour by a female staff member, though internal investigations led by KCs twice cleared him of wrongdoing. His wife, former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, stood by him throughout the turmoil.
The exit package was reportedly worth approximately £80 million, marking the end of his long association with the Milton Keynes-based team that he helped build into a championship-winning force.
Current Speculation and Options
Since leaving Red Bull, Horner has been linked with numerous positions across the F1 grid. "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," he noted. "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."
Specific possibilities that have circulated include:
- Aston Martin: Though recently confirmed he will not become team principal there, with Adrian Newey taking that role, owner Lawrence Stroll has reportedly courted Horner for years with substantial offers including potential shareholding.
- Ferrari: Considered a potentially more attractive leadership opportunity.
- Alpine: Another possible ownership or leadership position.
- Starting a new team: The possibility of establishing a 12th team on the grid remains under consideration.
Horner acknowledged the speculation, saying, "There just seems to be an appetite as to: 'What am I going to do? Where am I going to go?' The reality is that until the spring I can't do anything anyway. It is very flattering to keep being associated with all of these different teams."
He concluded with a patient approach: "We will see how it plays out. I am not in a rush. I don't need to do anything." The motorsport world now watches to see which team or role might eventually tempt the experienced figure back into the Formula One fold.
