Steiner: Horner ‘eager’ to return to F1 but not with Alpine

Former Haas F1 team boss Guenther Steiner has weighed in on Christian Horner’s future in Formula 1 following the Briton’s departure from Red Bull Racing.

Red Bull confirmed on 22 September that Horner had officially left the team after reaching a settlement reportedly valued between $70 million and $100 million.

The agreement is believed to include a clause allowing Horner to return to the sport in 2026, sparking speculation about a potential move to Alpine.

However, Steiner dismissed the idea, suggesting the Briton is likely to have much bigger ambitions.

“I think he will wait a little bit. He’s eager to get there, but, at the moment, I don’t think there’s anything there for him that he wants to do,” Steiner said, speaking on The Red Flags podcast.

Why Alpine Isn’t the Answer

Steiner suggested that Horner’s aspirations extend to team ownership rather than joining an existing setup like Alpine.

Steiner was particularly skeptical about the rumored link to Alpine, pointing to the potential clash with Flavio Briatore, who currently holds a prominent role at the team.

“I think he wants to be part of a team owning, and I don’t think there’s anything for sale or to be headed at, even if you want to buy it, I mean, it’s a lot of money,” Steiner explained.

“I know he got a lot of money, but what he got is not enough to buy a team. He would not do anything other than being a team principal, even going to Alpine to work with Flavio.”

Steiner highlighted the dynamic between Horner and Briatore as a key obstacle.

“I mean that would not work, Flav and him in the top position. I mean, then Flavio would need to go, and it doesn’t look like Flav is going anywhere soon,” he added.

Steiner’s comments suggest that Horner, known for his strong leadership style, would struggle to share authority with someone as influential as Briatore.

Horner’s Patience and Red Bull’s Resilience

Steiner also emphasized that Horner, with his substantial settlement, is in no rush to return to return to the fray.

“He can wait. Christian doesn’t need to be in a hurry,” he said, pointing to the Briton’s financial security and strategic mindset.

Read also:

• Ecclestone’s tip for Horner: Forget F1, take MotoGP by storm!

Meanwhile, Red Bull Racing has shown resilience despite Horner’s exit, with Laurent Mekies not at the helm of the Milton Keynes-based outfit.

Four-time world champion Max Verstappen secured victories at the Italian Grand Prix and the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the latter from pole position, proving the team’s ability to perform under new leadership.

As the Formula 1 world awaits Horner’s next move, Steiner’s insights paint a picture of a man most likely to bide his time, perhaps eager to return but only on his own terms – potentially as a team owner rather than a hired hand.

For now, Alpine seems an unlikely destination, and Horner’s future remains one of the sport’s most intriguing storylines.

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