Former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has indicated a desire to return to Formula 1, stating he has unfinished business in the sport. Speaking at the European Motor Show in Dublin, he emphasized he would only rejoin for a competitive project with an equity stake. Rumors link him particularly to a potential shareholding in Alpine.
Christian Horner, who led Red Bull Racing for 21 years and secured eight drivers' championships—four each for Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen—along with six constructors' titles, was ousted last July amid a performance downturn and internal politics at the team. The 52-year-old was replaced by Laurent Mekies, formerly of Racing Bulls, in a decision driven by Red Bull's Austrian management.
In his first public comments since departing on July 8, Horner addressed the media at the European Motor Show in Dublin on Saturday. "I feel like I have unfinished business in Formula 1," he said, quoted by PA. "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."
Horner expressed nostalgia for the sport, noting, "I miss the sport, I miss the people, I miss the team that I built." However, he clarified he does not need to return, having had a successful career, and would only consider opportunities where he could act as a partner rather than a "hired hand," ideally involving an equity stake.
Speculation about his next move has intensified, with Horner confirming he has visited every F1 team from backmarkers to frontrunners. He described the interest as "flattering," particularly links to Alpine, Aston Martin, and Ferrari. He is restricted from joining rivals until spring but noted recent contact regarding Alpine's 24% stake held by Otro Capital, which is open to sale. Horner also met FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem in Paris last week, hinting at broader involvement.
"I am not in a rush. I don’t need to do anything," Horner added, suggesting he will wait for the right fit as the 2026 season approaches.