Christian Horner is convinced: Formula 1 cannot afford to do this

For a long time, Formula 1 dominated the life of Christian Horner, who steered the fortunes of the Red Bull Racing team as team principal and managing director for more than 20 years. The proud Briton celebrated numerous successes with the Milton Keynes-based team and witnessed first-hand how first Sebastian Vettel and then Max Verstappen brought the energy drink manufacturer’s team one victory after another, securing four consecutive world championship titles in each case.

However, it all came to an end after last year’s Silverstone race; Horner was sacked and, for the first time in a long while, found himself out of the loop of the premier class. The former team principal used the time to watch other motorsport series, such as MotoGP and Formula E. And in doing so, he also gained some important insights, as he revealed at the ‘Autosport Business Exchange’ event in New York.

“Formula 1 exists in a sort of bubble; nothing is more important than the next race. But I suddenly switched from my spot on the pit wall to being a spectator, and it was astonishing how much more there is to discover in terms of the analysis, strategies and the course of the race. I’m convinced that this is an area that could be utilised to offer spectators an even better experience,” explained the 52-year-old.

And that wasn’t the only insight Horner shared with the participants in New York. The former team principal emphasised: “Thanks to the Netflix series, Formula 1 has carved out an incredible position amongst a whole new generation of fans.” He then went on to explain what Formula 1 must under no circumstances allow itself to do: “It must continue to evolve and must not stagnate or stand still.”

Formula 1 comeback not ruled out

Naturally, Horner was also asked about a possible return to the Grand Prix circuit. And he reiterated what he has already stated in numerous interviews and podcast appearances: “I loved my time in this sport; I’m a Formula 1 fan, and when my time in the premier class is over, I’ll be at peace with that. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved, and I count myself lucky to have worked with all the people I was part of the team with.”

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At the same time, the former racing driver emphasised: “I still have that ambition to compete, and if the right opportunity were to arise under the right conditions, I’d be ready to return. I wouldn’t want to return just for the sake of it; I’d do it to win. Interest in this sport is huge, especially here in the US. So many people want to invest in Formula 1. Franchise values are rising almost every month. That’s why I’m focusing on something in which I could have an equity stake. Let’s see how that develops.”