Horner Contacts F1 Team Owners Amid Return Speculation

Christian Horner ‘Calling Every Team Owner’ in Bid to Return to F1

Former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner is actively seeking a route back into Formula 1, reportedly reaching out to numerous team owners, including those at Aston Martin, Haas, and Alpine, according to Aston Martin CEO Andy Cowell.

Speaking at the Singapore Grand Prix, Cowell addressed growing rumors of Horner’s potential involvement with the British team:

“It looks as though Christian is ringing up pretty much every team owner at the moment.

I can clearly say there are no plans for the involvement of Christian in an operational or investment role in the future.”

Other Teams Respond to Horner Interest

Aston Martin

Despite speculation, Cowell firmly denied any ongoing negotiations with Horner.

Haas F1 Team

Team principal Ayao Komatsu confirmed Horner had “approached” the US-based team but added:

“Nothing has gone any further. It is finished.”

Alpine

Managing director Steve Nielsen revealed Horner is close friends with Alpine’s executive adviser Flavio Briatore, but:

“Everything I know is there are no plans for Christian to come to Alpine,

but that doesn’t mean it won’t happen.”

Williams Racing

Team boss James Vowles said there had been no approach from Horner and that the current team structure is working well:

“We’re very happy with the structure we have.”

Cadillac F1 (Andretti Global)

CEO Dan Towriss shut down any rumors back in August:

“There have been no talks with Christian Horner and there are no plans to do that.”

Horner’s Severance & Return Eligibility

Horner, 51, was dismissed as Red Bull Racing team principal after the British Grand Prix in July, following internal controversies.

He finalized a €60 million (£52m) severance package on 22 September, making him eligible to return to the paddock by mid-2025.

Quick Facts

• Date of Red Bull dismissal: July 2025

• Severance package: €60 million

• Return eligibility: From mid-2025

• Confirmed teams contacted: Aston Martin, Haas, Alpine

• Teams denying talks: Aston Martin, Williams, Cadillac

What’s Next?

With top teams publicly distancing themselves from Horner and the sport still recovering from the fallout of his Red Bull exit, speculation continues on whether he’ll buy into a team, join a new project, or wait for management shake-ups at mid-tier outfits.

Whether Horner’s tactical mind and controversial legacy find a new home in Formula 1 remains to be seen — but one thing is clear: he’s making calls.