Christian Horner is expected to make his return to the Formula One paddock at this weekend’s British Grand Prix — a year on from the controversy that ended his two-decade reign at Red Bull — as he weighs up a number of options that could see him back in the pit lane in a senior role.
The 52-year-old was relieved of his duties at Red Bull just 48 hours after last year’s Silverstone race following a power struggle within the organisation. He received an £80 million severance package and has been free to pursue other employment since March. According to the Daily Mail, both F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali and FIA president Muhammed Ben Sulayem — understood to be backing his return to the sport — have invited Horner to Silverstone this weekend as their guest.
Horner has made little secret of wanting to return. He has spoken publicly of having “unfinished business” in Formula One, and while he has spent much of his time away enjoying the countryside and family life with his wife, former Spice Girl Geri Horner, the paddock clearly still calls.
The options open to him are significant. Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll is a long-term admirer, and a senior role there has been mooted. Ferrari is another possibility if a suitable opening were to emerge. Horner is also understood to be interested in acquiring a stake in one of the 11 current teams, with the 24 per cent shareholding in Alpine held by private equity firm Otro attracting his attention. Beyond that, discussions with Chinese electric car manufacturer BYD about launching a 12th team are understood to be at an early stage, though that route would delay any return to the grid by approximately five years.
Horner masterminded eight drivers’ championships and six constructors’ titles across 20 years at Red Bull, first through Sebastian Vettel and then Max Verstappen, establishing the team as one of the dominant forces in the sport’s modern era.
