Christian Horner may be off the F1 grid for now, but the sport’s paddock is buzzing with talk of his next move – and Sky F1’s Martin Brundle has offered a candid take on just how steep the road back might be.
This weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix marks the first race since Horner’s high-profile split from Red Bull was finalized, allegedly with the help of a $100 million compensation package.
Yet despite his absence, few figures have dominated conversations quite like the man who led the team to six constructors’ titles.
Reports suggest Horner has already held “exploratory” discussions with Haas and has also touched base with Aston Martin’s Lawrence Stroll.
Team principal Andy Cowell, however, poured cold water on the speculation in Singapore, insisting there are “no plans for involvement of Christian either in an operational or investment role in the future.”
Similarly, Alpine’s Steve Nielsen dismissed suggestions that Horner could link up with the French squad through his long-time friend and team advisor Flavio Briatore. Still, the 50-year-old Briton appears determined to engineer a way back – even if it means building something of his own.
Brundle: “An extra hurdle for Christian”
Speaking to Sky Sports F1, Martin Brundle said that while Horner’s ambition is unmistakable, the route to returning as a team owner or stakeholder will be anything but straightforward.
“I think the current teams in Formula 1 will be pushing hard, as will other stakeholders, to say they don’t want a 12th team in Formula 1 at the moment while they’re all jockeying around trying to sort the 2026 regulations out,” Brundle said.
“That might be an extra hurdle for Christian.”
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“Formula 1 is his life – that’s where his skills and experience lie. He made it absolutely clear to me when I spoke to him that he will only come back if he’s got skin in the game, if he’s got a share in the team and is building something, rather than being a manager as he was with Red Bull.
“He couldn’t get any shareholding in that. Toto Wolff is a good example of how to do that as a one-third shareholder in the Mercedes-Benz Formula 1 team.
“I’m sure there’ll be partners, as we like to call them, sponsors we might call them, and other people who might want to join Christian on that journey.”
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Brundle’s comments reflect a reality Horner knows too well — the Formula 1 landscape has changed since he first entered the paddock two decades ago.
New teams must pay a $450 million anti-dilution fee just to join the grid, and existing outfits remain deeply protective of their prize money shares.
Horner’s credentials are undeniable, but even his track record may not sway skeptical stakeholders.
Cleared to return next spring, Horner is at a crossroads. Will he join an existing team, or take on the colossal challenge of building a new one?
But one thing is certain: Horner’s F1 saga is poised for a dramatic next act.
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