Why Christian Horner Won’t Join Ferrari Anytime Soon: Insights from a Close Friend
Recently, a close associate of Christian Horner shed light on why the former Red Bull Racing team principal is unlikely to make a move to Ferrari in the near future. Horner’s unexpected dismissal earlier this month followed a challenging season for Red Bull in 2025. Having led the team since its inception in 2005, he played a pivotal role in securing eight drivers’ championships and six constructors’ championships.
Since his exit, speculation has been rife about Horner’s potential return to Formula 1, with many suggesting Ferrari as a possible destination. However, former F1 driver and Horner’s friend revealed some underlying issues that make this move improbable.
“Horner is undeniably talented, but the controversies from last year linger on,” he stated. “His impressive two-decade track record speaks volumes, but the discussions around his past are still prevalent.”
This reference pertains to allegations made in 2024 by a former female employee who accused Horner of “inappropriate behavior.” Although he has denied these claims and was exonerated after internal investigations, the shadow of these allegations continues to cast doubt on his future.
“I’ve reached out to Christian to offer my support. He’s an excellent team principal capable of leading any team,” his friend continued. “However, Ferrari is keen on maintaining a clean image, and they likely want to avoid any distractions. That’s just my perspective.”
The conversation about Horner’s potential move to Ferrari comes at a time when current team principal Fred Vasseur’s future is uncertain, especially as his contract is set to expire at the end of the season. With Ferrari’s performance slipping compared to last year, Vasseur has faced increasing criticism for the team’s inconsistency.
“Criticism has been directed at Vasseur due to the team’s fluctuating results,” the former driver noted. “However, after the recent turmoil at Ferrari, it seems like things are starting to stabilize. For now, the speculation surrounding Vasseur has quieted down.”
Latest Developments in F1: What’s Next for Red Bull?
Meanwhile, Laurent Mekies has stepped in as the interim team principal at Red Bull until the end of the season, with his debut race coming up next weekend at the Belgian Grand Prix.
As the season unfolds, Red Bull faces further challenges, particularly with the future of their four-time world champion, Max Verstappen. The Dutch driver has been linked to a potential move to Mercedes amid ongoing issues within Red Bull’s management structure. Earlier this season, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff revealed his interest in Verstappen, while current driver George Russell awaits a contract renewal with the team.
In conclusion, while Christian Horner has made significant contributions to F1, his transition to Ferrari appears unlikely due to the hurdles he faces. As the racing world watches closely, the future for both Horner and Red Bull remains uncertain.
