Christian Horner, a name synonymous with success in Formula 1, finds himself at a crossroads in his career. Having spent the last two decades guiding Red Bull Racing to unprecedented levels of success, including securing eight driver championships and six constructors’ titles, the Brit’s future in the sport remains uncertain. His shock departure from Red Bull, despite his pivotal role in the team’s rise, has opened up numerous possibilities for his next move. While many expect Horner to pursue a high-profile role as a team principal, rumors suggest that he might have even larger ambitions: becoming a team owner. But which team could be willing to sell him a stake, and what challenges lie ahead for Horner in the fiercely competitive world of F1?

The End of an Era at Red Bull

The news of Christian Horner’s departure from Red Bull Racing came as a surprise to many. Despite a long and successful tenure with the team, the internal dynamics within Red Bull, particularly following the change in ownership stakes, led to his sacking. In 2023, Chalmur Uvidia, the son of the Thai-backed Red Bull ownership family, sold 2% of his shares, shifting the balance of ownership to Austria. This change marked a significant shift in the power dynamics at Red Bull, and the decision was made to part ways with Horner.

This unexpected move left fans and insiders scratching their heads. How could a man responsible for steering a team to such dominant heights be so easily dismissed? The underlying cause was not just Horner’s actions but also internal team issues, including the controversial investigation into his behavior towards a female employee. Although Horner was legally cleared, the damage was done, and his position within Red Bull was no longer tenable. As a result, the team’s loss of performance, along with the departure of key personnel, led to his removal, despite the external success Red Bull enjoyed.

The Rise of Horner’s Post-Red Bull Future

After his sacking, speculation surrounding Horner’s next steps has been rife. While some believe that he may take on a more prominent team principal role at another F1 team, insiders suggest that Horner is eyeing an even bigger role: becoming a team owner.

Horner’s ambitions are not to be underestimated. Martin Brundle, a former F1 driver and current pundit, believes that Christian Horner will not settle for anything less than full control of a team. As Brundle puts it, Horner’s desire for autonomy and influence within the sport is undeniable. “Christian wanted full control of what he felt he created in Red Bull,” said Brundle, acknowledging Horner’s leadership and vision for the team. “I rather suspect he overplayed his hand, and once the support of the 51% Yvidia family fell away, Red Bull Austria parked Christian at the first opportunity.”

The idea of Horner becoming a team owner is not far-fetched, particularly in the current climate of F1, where financial backing is key to success. A change in team ownership would give Horner the opportunity to shape a team according to his values and vision, something he has yet to fully achieve in his previous role as team principal. While this may sound ambitious, it’s not out of the realm of possibility given Horner’s extensive experience and industry connections.

The Controversial End to His Red Bull Tenure

The internal conflicts at Red Bull are far from trivial, and they raise questions about Horner’s future in F1. Beyond the accusations and the investigation, the real issue was the performance of the team. Red Bull had enjoyed an era of domination in Formula 1, but in the final years of Horner’s tenure, the squad began to show signs of faltering. The loss of key personnel, combined with the fact that the team struggled to push forward, was the final straw for Red Bull. Even Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, acknowledged that the team’s failure to progress was one of the primary reasons for Horner’s dismissal.

However, Horner’s legacy as one of F1’s most successful leaders cannot be ignored. His leadership has brought Red Bull Racing to the top of the sport, and despite the internal drama, there’s no denying that he played a significant role in the team’s success.

Could Alpine Be the Next Destination for Horner?

So, where does Christian Horner go from here? The most likely destination for the 50-year-old Brit is Alpine, a team that has been vocal about its desire to bring in Horner’s expertise. Alpine, which has faced its own set of challenges, is in the midst of a significant restructuring process. From 2026 onwards, Alpine will switch to using Mercedes engines, which could provide a significant boost to the team’s competitiveness. However, Alpine is also facing a leadership vacuum, and Horner’s experience in managing a team’s performance and navigating the complex dynamics of F1 could be just what the team needs.

Flavio Briatore, the former team principal at Renault (Alpine’s predecessor), has made it clear that Alpine aims to return to the top. The team’s current position in the midfield is unsatisfactory, and the aim is to break into the upper echelons of F1. A partnership between Briatore, who is likely to stay on as chairman, and Horner as CEO could be an ideal combination, bringing together the team’s ambitious goals with Horner’s proven leadership.

Alpine’s financial struggles could also make a Horner-led takeover plausible. The team is reportedly looking to sell a significant stake to attract investment, and this could provide the perfect opportunity for Horner to get a foothold in the ownership of an F1 team. With Briatore’s backing, Alpine could be transformed into a competitive powerhouse once again.

The Return of an F1 Legend

There’s no doubt that Christian Horner is one of the most talented figures in the F1 paddock, and his experience could benefit any team lucky enough to secure his services. Even drivers like Pierre Gasly, who had a difficult time under Red Bull’s management, have spoken highly of Horner’s leadership. Gasly, who was once replaced by Alex Albon in the Red Bull setup, believes that Horner’s qualities are undeniable. “You can only respect all the successes with the team and what he’s done with Red Bull Racing,” said Gasly.

The potential return of Horner to the sport, whether in an ownership or leadership capacity, will undoubtedly be a game-changer. His influence on the sport is profound, and his understanding of the intricacies of F1 make him an invaluable asset. While it remains to be seen whether Alpine will be the team to bring him in, it is clear that Horner’s future in Formula 1 is far from over.

The Bigger Picture for Horner

While some suggest that Horner could aim for a position in the FIA, such as president, this seems unlikely given his combative nature and deep-rooted involvement in the team side of the sport. As F1 pundit Bernie Collins points out, Horner thrives on competition and the team dynamics, something that the FIA role would not provide. “Christian is the same as Max Verstappen,” Collins said. “He’s a fighter. He loves being part of the team. He wants to beat Toto Wolff. There’s that rivalry there. He’s not doing that in the FIA.”

This rivalry, particularly with Toto Wolff, is part of what makes Horner such a compelling figure in F1. His competitive drive and determination to succeed ensure that he will continue to be a dominant force in the sport, whether as an owner, team principal, or in another high-level role.

In conclusion, Christian Horner’s next move in F1 will be closely watched. Whether he takes the plunge into ownership or returns to lead a team as a principal, one thing is certain: his legacy in F1 is far from finished. The sport will undoubtedly benefit from his vast experience and passion for the competition. The question now is: where will he go next, and how will his presence reshape the future of Formula 1?

Full Video: