Christian Horner opens talks with F1 team that appointed new principal in December: ‘There has been contact’

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Christian Horner already appears to be plotting a return to Formula 1. It’s been less than two weeks since Red Bull dismissed their long-serving team principal, ending his two-decade spell in charge.

Though Horner hasn’t made any public statements, there are signs behind the scenes that he’s looking for a path back into the paddock. Red Bull may have lost some of their stability, but a record that includes 124 wins and eight constructors’ titles is always going to attract interest.

Of course, not every team will be interested. Despite the pressure on Fred Vasseur, rumours linking Horner to Ferrari have quietened down.

And while he has a good relationship with Flavio Briatore, it’s difficult to see Horner at Alpine given how things are currently set up. He’s only going to return for the right project – one that truly matches his high expectations.

Christian Horner has spoken with Cadillac following his exit from Red Bull

Formula Uno Analisi Tecnica are now reporting that Cadillac have emerged as the most likely option. They have not yet made their debut, but they are scheduled to hit the grid at next year’s Australian Grand Prix.

They’re set to become a General Motors works team by the end of the decade. With GM’s backing, they should eventually have the resources to challenge the sport’s established teams.

It’s a structure Horner knows well from his time at Red Bull, who used their financial muscle to move up from midfield underdogs to title contenders within five years. Initially, Cadillac will use Ferrari engines as part of their entry plan.

Graeme Lowdon was only appointed as team principal last December, so any move for Horner might see him take on a different kind of role. Reports suggest he would have more of the flexibility and autonomy he’s looking for.

At this stage, the news says ‘there has been contact and the two parties are talking’. But if anything comes together, Cadillac would need to adjust their current setup quite significantly to bring someone like Horner in.

• READ MORE: Max Verstappen tells Red Bull what they need to do to keep him

Red Bull payout could hit £110m

Unlike other senior staff departures from Red Bull, Horner isn’t facing any restrictions on when he can return to Formula 1. Adrian Newey was back working with Aston Martin less than a year after leaving Red Bull, while Jonathan Wheatley joined Sauber just eight months after his exit was confirmed.

Apart from talks with Cadillac, there are also discussions ongoing regarding his settlement from Red Bull. Recent reports indicate he could receive up to £110m – matching what he was due to earn through 2030 under his existing contract terms.

At 51 years old and without any formal exit clauses keeping him off the grid until 2030, retirement doesn’t seem imminent for Horner – especially if there’s still motivation left to prove something against his former employer.