Christian Horner, the former team principal of Red Bull Racing, is reportedly in negotiations with Ferrari regarding the possibility of taking over as their team principal. This development comes on the heels of Horner’s recent departure from Red Bull, which took place following allegations of ‘coercive behaviour’ towards a female employee. Horner has denied these accusations and was cleared of them in internal investigations.
After leaving Red Bull with an £80 million severance package, the reasons behind his exit remain unclear. Laurent Mekies, previously involved with Red Bull’s junior team, has stepped into the role. While Horner did settle with the complainant for £3 million—who has since moved on to a new position within the motorsports industry—he chose not to pursue a potentially larger departure package from Red Bull, suggesting a desire to return to Formula One as soon as possible, possibly by April of next year.
Throughout his two-decade tenure, Horner led Red Bull to impressive heights, securing 14 world championships and numerous titles with drivers like Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen. His expertise and winning track record make him a sought-after figure in the sport, with Ferrari expressing particular interest in bringing him on board. Insiders indicate that Ferrari’s president, John Elkann, has lost confidence in current team principal Fred Vasseur amid what has been an underwhelming season, with drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton sitting outside the top three in the standings.
Horner’s return to the paddock is highly anticipated, and he has reportedly been approached by several teams, showing that his leadership skills and experience are still highly regarded in Formula One. While he has not publicly commented on Ferrari’s interest, the prospect of his return to such a prominent team adds another intriguing chapter to the ongoing dynamics within the sport.