Christian Horner might not be done with F1, as rumors suggest he could join Ferrari.
A few months ago, the Brit had a tumultuous departure from Red Bull. Now, speculation hints that Ferrari would be eyeing to recruit Christian Horner. Nothing is official yet, but Maranello could be planning a dramatic move for 2026.
Will Christian Horner make a comeback at Ferrari?
After twenty years leading Red Bull, Horner seemed to have turned the page. Yet, according to multiple British media outlets, he is actively seeking a new team for a 2026 return. Ferrari, looking for fresh energy, could be the perfect landing spot.
A departure under high tension
In July 2025, Horner was ousted from Red Bull after months of internal conflicts. That also includes a reportedly settled “inappropriate behavior” issue. Despite this rocky exit, his record remains impressive: six drivers’ titles and six constructors’ titles, with Vettel and Verstappen.
Since then, Horner has been preparing his return. Ferrari appears to be a leading option. According to The Daily Mail, multiple teams had contacted him. Among them was Haas and Cadillac. However, Ferrari has sparked the most interest among fans and insiders.
Ferrari, ambitions and internal tensions
The Scuderia is at a pivotal moment. Lewis Hamilton’s arrival in 2025 boosted the team, but results have fallen short. President John Elkann is reportedly questioning Frédéric Vasseur’s leadership.
Could Christian Horner replace Vasseur in Ferrari?
Officially, Vasseur renewed his contract this summer. Unofficially, his position weakened after a winless season and repeated strategic errors. Ferrari remains third in the championship but far from expectations.
This has apparently led to exploratory talks between Ferrari and Horner. For Elkann, hiring a manager with such a stellar record would be highly beneficial. That especially applies ahead of the 2026 technical revolution.
A complex but strategic move
While tifosi dream of this scenario, challenges remain. Horner wants a role with expanded decision-making power and even a stake in the team, similar to Toto Wolff at Mercedes. Ferrari’s culture, however, keeps control firmly in Italian hands.
Challenges for Christian Horner if he joins Ferrari
At 51, Horner has never worked outside the UK. Moving to Maranello would be a huge lifestyle change. And that is also compounded by the fact that he doesn’t speak Italian.
On the human side, working alongside Lewis Hamilton raises questions. The two have been rivals for over a decade, though Hamilton recently praised Horner’s “remarkable career.” It could be an unlikely alliance, but Horner at Ferrari is not impossible.
2026 will be decisive
It all depends on the start of the 2026 season. If Ferrari fails to capitalize on the new engine regulations, Vasseur could be pushed out, which opens the door for Horner.For now, the rumor remains fragile, but in the ever-changing world of F1, nothing is set in stone. Could Christian Horner be the man to restore Ferrari’s glory, decades after 2008?