Christian Horner on F1 return: Ferrari team principal would be 'the dream'

Christian Horner has described returning to Formula 1 as Ferrari team principal as "the dream," saying it is the only role he would consider that does not involve a share of ownership in a team.

Horner was fired from Red Bull in July last year following a turbulent two years as the CEO and team principal of the championship-winning outfit.

In 2024, Horner faced two internal misconduct investigations based on allegations from a former Red Bull Racing employee, but was cleared in both by independent KCs.

His departure in 2025 followed a downturn in on-track performances and, with six years left on his contract, he was given a substantial payoff.

The agreement with Red Bull allowed him to return to F1 in spring this year, but despite months of speculation around the purchase of a minority stake in Alpine and connections with Aston Martin, Horner has yet to announce his next move.

Speaking to The Times ahead of a publicity tour for his upcoming book, the 52-year-old indicated Ferrari would be the only job he would consider that does not involve a shareholding in a team.

"At this stage in my life, there's only one team for which I would accept non-participation in ownership," he said. "Would I consider Ferrari? I mean, Ferrari is the biggest brand in Formula 1. It's the dream. And arguably it's the sleeping giant of Formula 1."

As recently as May last year, while he was still in his position at Red Bull, media speculation linked Horner to Ferrari, but he denied he was interested in the role.

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In July last year, shortly after Horner's firing from Red Bull, current Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur signed a multi-year contract extension to continue in his role until at least the end of 2027.

In the interview with The Times, Horner said his arrival at a team may mean a significant figure would have to make way, adding that he still envisages a return to F1 in which he resumes his rivalry with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.

"There comes a point in time where a team's competitiveness outweighs other egotistical stuff," he added. "I'm in a very fortunate position that I can afford to be picky.

"If I don't do anything, I can live here for whatever time I've got left on the planet, and just worry about whether it's going to rain and make the grass green or not.

"But is that going to fulfil me? No. I still feel that there's another dance. And Toto needs to have his hair f-----g ruffled up."