No master plan for the future: former team principal Christian Horner opens up

Ever since Christian Horner left the Formula 1 paddock in July 2025, there has been repeated speculation about a possible return for the long-serving Red Bull Racing team principal. The Briton has already been linked with various teams, such as Alpine and, most recently, even Ferrari. However, there has been no comeback so far for the 52-year-old, who is currently making headlines with the publication of his autobiography.

In an interview with a reporter from *Bild am Sonntag*, he spoke about his plans for the future. These are very vague, the former head of the Red Bull Racing team insists. When asked whether the final chapter of his Formula 1 career has already been written, he says: “I can’t answer that.” And he reveals: “I don’t have a master plan for my future. After more than two decades of a tightly scheduled life that always went according to plan, this is very exciting. All I can say is this: I’m in the privileged position of no longer having to do anything – but I can, if I want to.”

And shortly afterwards, he reveals what Horner would like: “I don’t want to join just any mid-table team simply so I can be back in the paddock every weekend. I’d rather mow the lawn at home, spend time with my family and watch the race from the sofa. Mediocrity isn’t my thing! My goal has always been, and always will be, to shake up the establishment and win.”

Christian Horner: No Formula 1 comeback at any price

And specifically as a shareholder, the Briton makes clear: “That would be one of my basic conditions. But even there, there are distinctions to be made. A few per cent stake in a team – in other words, a minority shareholding – is of no use. If I were to get involved, I’d want to be in the driving seat.” He emphasises that this is a fundamental prerequisite for success: “You can’t run a Formula 1 team democratically. Anyone who does that is always too slow and will never win races, let alone become world champion.”

A look at his own track record, however, proves the opposite: he was employed by Red Bull Racing, yet during the 20 years he was at the helm, the team celebrated 14 world championship titles, 124 Grand Prix victories and 287 podium finishes.

Topic of the week

Topic of the week: MotoGP’s new schedule proved highly controversial

In 2027, MotoGP will also enter the 850cc era with a new schedule. It was not so much the changes themselves as the way the decisions were reached that caused a stir. A prime example of: ‘Talking helps’.

Read More

TV Program

Live

Austin: 1. Freies Training

FIA Formula One World Championship

23.10.2026 - 19:25

Horner says of his achievements: “I know I no longer have anything to prove to anyone. Whatever I might do in the future, I’ll do it for the sheer joy of it and out of conviction. I won’t take on any project that doesn’t immediately spark that spark in me, which can then develop into a blazing fire.”

There is no list of teams he would immediately say yes to, says the former team principal. “Every decision is made on a case-by-case basis.” It would have to be the right project with the right people, he adds. And should an opportunity arise to take on such a project, he is ready, Horner insists. “Over the past twelve months, I’ve met lots of great investors who are incredibly keen to get into Formula 1. Interest remains as strong as ever. That means: as soon as an opportunity arises, we’d be ready.”