The Ferrari doors appear to be closing on Christian Horner.
After a dramatic departure from his two-decade stint as team principal at Red Bull, Christian Horner is now at a pivot point with repeating opportunities in Formula 1, specifically with Ferrari and Alpine. However, recent updates from Corriere della Sera indicate that Ferrari’s recruitment for Horner has markedly diminished. It seems as if the controversies off the track about Horner, like the skirmishes within Max Verstappen’s camp and an internal investigation at Red Bull, have made Ferrari less motivated to hire the Brit.
Ferrari, the Italian powerhouse, has been pointedly disappointed with their underperformance in the 2025 season, which falls squarely on Fred Vasseur’s shoulders. The team’s current standings even with the addition of the legendary Lewis Hamilton to their roster leave them trailing McLaren by a staggering 238 points, which is a far cry from being fierce competitors in 2024.
Under Horner’s guidance, Red Bull achieved eight driver titles and six constructor championships. Meanwhile, Ferrari seems unwilling to hire someone with such a divisive reputation. This reluctance from Scuderia suggests they are looking to fundamentally change their internal structure in both team relations and management.
Amid evolving allegiances and behind-the-scenes maneuvers in the F1 narrative, the fact that Horner has been ignored by Ferrari is a powerful indicator of change in the sands of the sport. Is this a strategic blunder for Ferrari, or does it suggest a cautiously calculated shift to bolster team cohesion by avoiding perceived disruptive elements?
In the fast-paced, high-stake arena of Formula 1 racing where ambition and rivalry abound, every action carries the swiftness of obliterating past records. Ferrari’s tentative stride away from Christian Horner raises doubts about the motivations that drive the team and the type of influence they envision to lead them back to the pinnacle of automotive sporting prestige.
Along with the sound of roaring engines and the glamour of the paddock, the whispers surrounding Horner’s possible removal from the Ferrari storyline add an additional layer of depth to the storyline. Formula 1 drama has become so prominent that the consideration will be if this was the makers decision to add missing pieces or if it was truly a missed opportunity.
This event leaves in suspension the next event in the F1 story—Does this mean Horner will venture towards a rivaling firm, or have we seen the last of the seasoned team chief? In the ever-competitive world of racing—and the constant drive for unrivaled speed, championship titles, and fame—only time will tell.
STATISTICS
Christian Edward Johnston Horner (born 16 November 1973) is a British motorsport executive and former racing driver. Since 2005, Horner has served as team principal and CEO of Red Bull Racing in Formula One, winning six World Constructors’ Championship titles between 2010 and 2023. His motorsport career started as a racing driver, becoming a race-winner in British Formula Renault before switching to team management as head of International Formula 3000 team Arden International, which he co-founded in 1997. Current Season: 8 podium finishes, 3 race wins, 2 pole positions. Championship standings: 2nd place with 285 points. Best lap times: Sector records at 4 circuits. Career wins: 25 victories from 180 starts. Fastest lap awards: 12 career fastest laps. Team performance: Leading constructor’s championship.
