F1 NEWS TODAY: Christian Horner’s Ferrari return, Lewis Hamilton’s three-word message… Read more

F1 News Today: Christian Horner’s Ferrari return, Lewis Hamilton’s three-word message

 

By Hugo Harvey

 

Former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner was encouraged to pursue a sensational move to Ferrari following his departure from Red Bull, according to former Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

 

Horner, who was dismissed by Red Bull after more than two decades in charge following a turbulent start to the 2025 season, remains one of the biggest names currently absent from the Formula 1 paddock. Although he has been linked with several potential destinations since his exit, Ecclestone has now revealed that he believed Ferrari should have been Horner’s next challenge.

 

The 52-year-old oversaw one of the most successful eras in Formula 1 history during his time at Red Bull. Under his leadership, the Milton Keynes-based team secured eight Drivers’ Championship titles and six Constructors’ Championships, transforming Red Bull from a midfield operation into one of the sport’s dominant forces.

 

However, despite that remarkable record, Horner’s time with Red Bull came to an abrupt end, leaving widespread speculation over where he might continue his Formula 1 career.

 

Speaking during the Austrian Grand Prix weekend, Ecclestone disclosed that he had personally urged Horner to target a move to Ferrari.

 

“I speak to him quite a bit,” Ecclestone explained.

 

“Early on, I was trying to convince him to try and be at Ferrari.”

 

At the time, Ferrari was considered one of the few teams capable of attracting someone with Horner’s experience and reputation. The Italian team had already entered a new era after signing seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, and adding Horner would have represented another enormous statement of intent.

 

Instead, Ferrari opted for continuity by extending the contract of its current team principal, effectively ending any realistic chance of Horner taking charge in Maranello.

 

That decision means one of Formula 1’s most prestigious leadership positions is no longer available, forcing Horner to explore other opportunities if he wishes to return to the championship.

 

Ecclestone also believes Horner faces an enormous challenge regardless of where he eventually lands.

 

According to the former Formula 1 commercial chief, Horner’s extraordinary achievements at Red Bull have created expectations that may prove difficult to match elsewhere.

 

“Christian’s in a difficult position anyway,” Ecclestone said.

 

“Wherever he goes, if he doesn’t succeed, people will say, ‘Ah, Christian, you were very good when you were with Red Bull with big budgets.’

 

“Now you’re not winning because of that or something. So it’s difficult for him.”

 

Those comments highlight the pressure surrounding Horner’s next career move. After enjoying sustained championship-winning success, any future project would inevitably be measured against the standards he established at Red Bull.

 

Despite Ferrari no longer being an option, Horner continues to be linked with several high-profile destinations across the Formula 1 grid.

 

One of the strongest rumours has centred on Alpine, where reports have suggested Horner has been involved with a group of investors interested in purchasing a 24 percent stake in the French team. Such an arrangement would fit Horner’s publicly stated ambition of taking on a role with greater influence than simply serving as team principal.

 

Horner has previously indicated that he would like to own a stake in whichever Formula 1 organisation he joins next, giving him a greater role in shaping the team’s long-term future.

 

Another team frequently mentioned is Aston Martin.

 

The Silverstone-based outfit, owned by billionaire Lawrence Stroll, has reportedly held discussions with Horner. A move there would potentially reunite him with legendary Formula 1 designer Adrian Newey, who worked alongside Horner during Red Bull’s most successful years before making his own move away from Milton Keynes.

 

Such a reunion would immediately become one of the biggest stories in Formula 1, combining two of the architects behind Red Bull’s championship-winning dynasty.

 

More recently, Horner has also been linked with a possible future involving a new Formula 1 entry backed by Chinese automotive giant BYD.

 

Speculation surrounding a twelfth Formula 1 team has intensified following comments from FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who suggested that China could play a major role in the championship’s future expansion.

 

“Definitely, the message has been said that if there is a team, it will be from China, hopefully,” Ben Sulayem recently stated.

 

Should such a project materialise, Horner’s experience in building Red Bull into a title-winning operation would make him an attractive candidate to lead the ambitious venture from the very beginning.

 

For now, however, Horner remains outside Formula 1 while carefully considering his next opportunity.

 

Although he has not yet returned to the paddock, he has already accepted his first significant position since leaving Red Bull, signalling that he intends to remain active while waiting for the right Formula 1 project.

 

His next move will undoubtedly be one of the sport’s most closely watched developments. Whether that opportunity comes with Alpine, Aston Martin, a new Chinese-backed team, or another unexpected destination, Horner’s return is expected to generate enormous interest throughout the Formula 1 world.

 

With Ferrari now seemingly off the table following the extension of its current leadership, Horner’s search for the next chapter of his career continues. Yet given his championship-winning pedigree and extensive experience, few doubt that one of Formula 1’s most successful team bosses will eventually find his way back onto the grid.