Chandhok tips possible F1 destination for Horner after Red Bull exit

Following Christian Horner’s abrupt dismissal from Red Bull Racing on Wednesday, speculation is intensifying over what comes next for the man who led the team to multiple championships over two decades and transformed it into one of Formula 1’s powerhouses.

While some believe the 51-year-old could step away from the sport altogether, Sky Sports F1 analyst Karun Chandhok suggests there may still be a compelling path forward in Formula 1 – should Horner choose to stay in the game.

While past rumors linked the Briton to Ferrari, a move to Maranello seems improbable due to the logistical challenges of relocating his family from the UK.

Instead, Chandhok believes a more realistic option – both professionally and personally – could lie much closer to home.

“Could he go to Ferrari? There were lots of rumours that they would try to hire him on various occasions. It didn’t happen,” Chandhok said on a Sky Sports podcast.

“Fred Vasseur, lots of rumours about his future. Personally, I don’t think he’ll go there.”

Alpine a Potential Landing Spot

Chandhok then floated the possibility that Horner could land at Alpine, a team currently undergoing a major restructuring and in search of a new team principal.

“Could he end up at Alpine, you know, in terms of his personal life? He could carry on living in the UK,” he argued.

“Does he want to uproot his entire life? Probably not. Alpine is still based in Oxfordshire, Motorsport Valley in the UK, and they’re looking for a team principal.”

Chandhok also pointed to some existing relationships that could make a potentoal move to the Enstone squad smoother for Horner.

“They’ve hired Steve Nielsen as an MD (managing director),” he continued. “Christian’s old friend, Flavio Briatore is in charge as an executive consultant. But that could be a future destination for Christian Horner. If he does choose, of course, to carry on in the pressure cooker of Formula 1.”

Verstappen's Future Still in Play

Chandhok also weighed in on what Horner’s departure might mean for Max Verstappen, whose long-term contract with Red Bull runs until 2028 but includes a performance clause that could allow him to leave under certain conditions.

“With the fallout that’s going to come in the next few days, these are all questions that will be answered,” Chandhok noted.

“Christian himself, even on Friday last week said very openly, ‘Max Verstappen has a contract with Red Bull and he’s not going anywhere else’.”

However, Chandhok believes the Dutchman is still likely to stay put – at least for the near future.

“Now, obviously Christian’s not there anymore, does it have an effect? I don’t know. My gut tells me that Max will now stay at Red Bull in 2026, and then we’ll see what happens beyond that.”

Read also:

• Ecclestone stunned by Horner firing: ‘It's like he's murdered somebody’

As the Formula 1 world awaits further developments, Horner’s next steps remain uncertain. A move to Alpine could provide a fresh challenge for the veteran team principal, allowing him to stay in the sport’s competitive spotlight while remaining rooted in the UK.

Meanwhile, Verstappen’s future at Red Bull hangs in the balance, with the coming days likely to shed light on the direction both he and Horner will take in the ever-evolving F1 landscape.

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