Christian Horner made his first public remarks since departing Red Bull at the European Motor Show in Dublin on Saturday, revealing his determination to make a comeback to the sport.
The 52-year-old, who was removed from his position as team principal last July, expressed a strong desire to compete at the highest level once more.
“I feel like I have unfinished business in Formula One,” Horner stated. “It didn’t finish the way that I would have liked it to finish.”
However, the former Red Bull boss made clear he would be selective about any potential return.
Christian Horner was sacked by Red Bull last year but has been rumoured to be returning to F1
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“But I am not going to come back for just anything. I am only going to come back for something that can win,” he added.
Horner outlined specific conditions for any future involvement in Formula One, stressing his preference for a meaningful stake in any venture.
“I don’t want to go back in the paddock unless I have something to do,” he explained. “I miss the sport, I miss the people, I miss the team that I built.”
The former team principal reflected on his distinguished career, noting he had enjoyed 21 years in the sport with numerous race victories and championship triumphs alongside exceptional drivers and engineers.
“I don’t need to go back. I could stop my career now,” Horner said. “I would want to be a partner, rather than just a hired hand, but we will see how it plays out. I am not in a rush.”
Christian Horner left Red Bull after 20 years at the helm | GETTY
He confirmed that contractual obligations prevent him from taking any position until spring.
Horner’s departure brought to an end a remarkable two-decade spell with the Milton Keynes outfit, during which he secured eight drivers’ championships and six constructors’ titles.
His dismissal came in the aftermath of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, with Laurent Mekies stepping in as his replacement.
The exit followed allegations of inappropriate conduct made by a female colleague approximately 18 months earlier.
Horner consistently denied the accusations, and two separate investigations conducted by an independent KC cleared him of any wrongdoing.
His wife, former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, supported him throughout the ordeal.
Reports suggest Horner received a substantial settlement upon leaving, though he reportedly declined a larger package in order to preserve his ability to return to the paddock sooner.
Christian Horner and Geri Halliwell showed a united front after the scandal
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Since his July departure, Horner has been the subject of intense speculation regarding his next destination.
Media reports have connected him with moves to Ferrari, Aston Martin, and most recently Alpine, where a consortium he leads has reportedly discussed acquiring Otro Capital’s 24 per cent stake in the team.
Alpine executive advisor Flavio Briatore confirmed Horner’s interest in the Enstone-based squad, which finished bottom of the constructors’ standings last season.
Addressing the constant rumours, Horner remarked: “I think I have been going to every single Formula One team, which has ranged from the back of the grid, to the middle of the grid, and to the front of the grid.”
He also spoke warmly of his former rival Toto Wolff, the Mercedes CEO whose team will supply engines to Alpine from this season.
“I have a huge amount of respect for him,” Horner said. “Sport is boring if everybody is friendly and loves each other.”
