When Christian Horner was relieved of his duties as Red Bull Racing’s team principal in July 2025 after two decades at the helm, it sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 paddock. But those who assumed his F1 story had ended may have underestimated his ambition. Over recent weeks, rumors have swirled that Horner is actively plotting a return. From contacting team owners, exploring equity deals, to potentially launching a new team, the ex-Red Bull boss refuses to fade quietly.
In this article, we explore the evidence, the options, the obstacles, and what a Horner comeback could mean for the future of F1.
The Red Bull Exit & Severance Deal
To understand where Horner might go next, we must begin with how he left. In September 2025, it was confirmed that Horner had formally exited Red Bull, with a reported £80 million severance package. This arrangement, often dubbed a “gardening leave” period, means he is contractually free to pursue new roles in F1 after a cooling-off interval.
His dismissal came after a run of underwhelming results, internal staff departures, and various controversies. While Horner was cleared of misconduct allegations earlier, the off-track distractions may have undermined confidence in his leadership. Regardless, he leaves behind a legacy of building Red Bull from a nascent team into a dominant force in F1.
Evidence of a Comeback in Motion
1. Reaching Out to Team Owners
One of the most persistent claims is that Horner has been making calls across the paddock. Reports say he is “ringing up pretty much every team owner” to gauge interest in his return. Haas principal Ayao Komatsu admitted to an “exploratory” discussion after Horner approached his team, though nothing materialized. Meanwhile, Aston Martin CEO Andy Cowell stated that following conversations with owner Lawrence Stroll, there are currently no plans for Horner to join Aston Martin, either operationally or as an investor.
When asked whether Horner had contacted Williams, team principal James Vowles responded diplomatically, saying that while conversations should be possible, the current structure is “working.”
2. Seeking Equity or Ownership, Not Just a Job
From insider sources, Horner’s interest is believed to go beyond a traditional management role. He reportedly aims to secure a stake or investment in a team, rather than be an employee.
As Craig Slater (Sky Sports) put it, “Christian Horner is not looking for a job, he’s looking for a stake in a team.” Crash.net
That ambition could allow him more control, influence, and protection against a repeat of what he experienced at Red Bull. Several sources suggest he is engaging with major financial backers, global banks, sovereign wealth funds, and wealthy individuals to put together a compelling investment platform. Crash.net
3. The “12th Team” Idea
One of the more ambitious rumors is that Horner may attempt to launch a 12th Formula 1 team. The FIA currently allows up to a dozen entrants, and with Cadillac entering in 2026 as the 11th team, a theoretical slot remains for new entries. Proponents argue that starting a fresh team gives Horner full autonomy and avoids the politics of joining an existing outfit.
However, launching a team is a mammoth undertaking: securing infrastructure, hiring engineering / operational staff, gaining FIA approval, and building competitive machinery takes years and hundreds of millions in capital. That said, Horner’s name, network, and track record give him a rare level of credibility, not many could credibly pitch such a venture to investors.
Likely Targets: Where Could Horner Land?
While rumors remain speculative, a few teams emerge more frequently in the chatter:
- Aston Martin
This is an appealing proposition. Under Lawrence Stroll’s ownership, Aston Martin has invested heavily, added Adrian Newey to its technical team, and shown ambition. A reunion with Newey (Horner’s longtime technical collaborator at Red Bull) is often floated. Yet publicly, Aston Martin has denied any interest in Horner. - Haas
As mentioned, Horner held exploratory talks with Haas, though they didn’t progress. The team’s limitations in budget and performance make it less appealing to someone used to title contention, but it could be a “foot in the door.” - Alpine / Enstone
Alpine often emerges in whispers, partly because of Flavio Briatore’s ties to Horner. However, insiders say there’s no current deal in place. The management dynamics at Alpine may make a Horner role complicated. - New Team / Acquisition
The wild card is Horner launching or acquiring a new team. He may assemble capital and investors first, then either target the remaining FIA slot or negotiate a purchase of an existing team.
Obstacles & Challenges Ahead
A comeback is far from guaranteed. Here are key obstacles Horner must navigate:
- Timing & Garden Leave
His contract likely imposes a cooling-off or non-compete period. While his severance allows a return “by summer 2026,” any earlier move is blocked. - Skepticism from Teams
Teams may resist bringing in someone of Horner’s stature, especially if it challenges internal hierarchies or disrupts existing leadership. Guenther Steiner has publicly warned Horner’s “return won’t work” if conditions aren’t right. The Sun - Investor Risk & Capital Requirements
Whether joining a team or starting one, he needs deep financial backing. F1 is an expensive sport, and making credible offers requires serious capital and business planning. - FIA & FOM Approval
For a new team or major ownership shift, approval from governing bodies is needed. The entry of new teams has historically faced resistance. - Perception & Legacy
Horner’s departure and controversies will be under scrutiny. His return will be judged not just on results, but also on how he manages relationships, governance, and public image.
What a Horner Return Could Mean for F1
- Leadership Impact
Horner has proven he can marshal talent, drive strategic direction, and be a loud voice in the paddock. His return would add a new dynamic among the team principals. - Technical & Strategic Shift
If paired with a top technical structure (like at Aston Martin with Newey), he might catalyze a team’s rise to the front. - Ownership Influence
With his aim for equity or ownership, Horner could shape decisions beyond racing, budgets, commercial strategy, sustainability, driver development. - Media & Spectacle
F1 thrives on characters and narratives. Horner’s return would reignite storylines, rivalries, intrigue, and media attention.
Timeline: What to Watch Next
- Late 2025 / Early 2026:
As his gardening leave ends, concrete offers or public announcements may emerge. - FIA / Grid Decisions:
Any new team bid or ownership change must navigate FIA timelines and commercial agreements. - Team Announcements:
Watch for speculation during upcoming GPs or major F1 events (Abu Dhabi, Monaco, etc.). - Investor Moves:
If Horner secures backing from sovereign funds or major corporations, that may be a signal he’s primed for a comeback.
Christian Horner’s career in Formula 1 is far from over. His exit from Red Bull was dramatic, but it was not the final chapter. With rumors swirling of calls to team owners, investment plans, and even new team launches, he’s actively exploring routes back into the sport he transformed for two decades.
Whether he returns as a team principal, co-owner, investor, or founder of a new outfit, one thing is clear: Horner wants influence, not just a seat. The next 6 to 12 months will likely define whether his ambition becomes reality – or remains another tantalizing rumor in the paddock.
