Christian Horner’s path back into Formula 1 hit another roadblock this week, with Cadillac revealing they have no intention of speaking to the former Red Bull boss.
This news comes not long after Ferrari confirmed Fred Vasseur’s contract extension, putting an end to any remaining speculation that Horner might be heading to Maranello. McLaren and Mercedes were never in serious consideration for him.
Further down the grid, Williams has extended James Vowles’ contract, while Audi has only recently put together their Mattia Binotto-Jonathan Wheatley partnership. And Haas is unlikely to be able to offer a role that would appeal to someone of Horner’s profile.
The Englishman spent two decades at Red Bull, guiding them through eight championship-winning seasons. For now, though, there do not seem to be many realistic landing spots available.
Christian Horner’s talks with Alpine boss Flavio Briatore emerge
Alpine appears to be the most realistic option for Horner right now, and Red Bull insider Matt Majendie has provided an update on how things might be unfolding. Horner already has a good relationship with Flavio Briatore, who is effectively in charge at Enstone.
Even though Ralf Schumacher believes Briatore’s time has passed, Majendie can still see a partnership forming. The two have reportedly met for lunch several times.
There is growing belief that their discussions have shifted towards working together at Alpine, who currently sit at the bottom of the standings but will be combining a Mercedes engine with Renault resources next season.
It is possible Horner could buy into Alpine rather than stepping into his old role from Red Bull. The team recently brought in Steve Nielsen as managing director.
Majendie spoke about this possibility on the Inside Track podcast: “I’ve always said from the outset that the one that makes the most sense is Alpine, and I continue to stand by that.”
He added: “It’s not so fanciful the idea of Horner and Briatore working together, they’re very good friends. I don’t know if anyone remembers the sit-down interview we did with Horner way back when, his last big interview before he was removed from his role as team principal and CEO. He essentially said Flavio is his best mate of the team bosses.”
“It’s an unlikely friendship in a way, but they’ve both got a wicked sense of humour, they don’t mind rubbing people up the wrong way and actually, they would work well together,” he continued.
“I’d heard something that Horner has financial backing from elsewhere to potentially buy in or take over a team. Alpine are owned by Renault, and Renault have always said that the Formula 1 team are not up for sale, and yet the rumours of a possible sale of Alpine have never gone away.
“There’s a possibility that, at some point, Horner could lead a buy-in, because I think that’s what he would like to do, to be an overarching boss.”
Majendie sheds light on Christian Horner relationship with Adrian Newey
The podcast also touched on whether Aston Martin could be an option for Horner. The club recently handed shares to Adrian Newey when he joined as managing technical partner—a move that might appeal to someone like Horner.
While this arrangement might appeal to Horner, Stroll may hesitate to cede control.
Newey and Horner, despite reports of a strained relationship in Newey’s final months at Red Bull, seem to be on good terms, having recently attended a concert together.
“One that I quite like still is the whole Aston Martin idea. I love the fact that Adrian Newey and Christian Horner went to an Oasis gig the other day, supposedly this frayed relationship over the last year with all the tensions and different issues within the team, but that would indicate otherwise.
“They’re mates, and I think they’ve spoken and met up quite a lot. I don’t know whether Lawrence Stroll would want to give up any stake in that team or to give up control to someone like Horner.”
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