News Summary
- Christian Horner called Ferrari his “dream job”
- The former Red Bull boss would accept the position without demanding equity
- Frédéric Vasseur remains under a multi-year contract and Ferrari has not indicated that the role is available
Christian Horner has made his clearest declaration of interest in Ferrari, saying he would abandon his demand for an ownership stake to work for the Italian team.
The former Red Bull team principal has repeatedly insisted that any Formula 1 comeback must provide sufficient authority and a meaningful stake in the project. However, Horner told The Times that Ferrari represented the sole exception.
“I’ve always just been an employee. I spent 21 years sitting on the pit wall and I don’t need to go back and do that,” Horner said.
“At this stage of my life, there is only one team for which I would accept not having equity. Ferrari is the most important brand in Formula 1. It is a dream. And you could say it is F1’s sleeping giant.”
Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera interpreted the remarks as an open message to Ferrari’s senior management, although there is currently no evidence of negotiations between the parties.
Horner changes position on F1 return
Horner has been linked with several Formula 1 projects since leaving Red Bull in July 2025 after 20 years in charge.
His previous position was that he would only return if given the power to transform a team and compete for championships. Horner was also associated with a consortium interested in purchasing Otro Capital’s 24% stake in Alpine.
Aston Martin and potential future Formula 1 projects have also appeared in speculation surrounding the British executive. Ferrari, however, would apparently persuade him to accept a conventional senior management position without ownership.
During Horner’s tenure, Red Bull won eight drivers’ championships and six constructors’ titles, establishing the Briton as one of the most successful team principals in Formula 1 history.
He also revived his long-running rivalry with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.
“I feel like I’ve got one more dance in me,” Horner said. “And Toto needs somebody to ruffle his fucking hair.”
Is Horner replacing Vasseur at Ferrari?
Ferrari has given no indication that Horner is being considered as an immediate replacement for Frédéric Vasseur.
The Frenchman signed a new multi-year contract in July 2025 and continues to oversee Ferrari’s technical restructuring. The team has recently reorganised its power-unit department and is recruiting additional engineers for the engine, chassis and aerodynamic groups.
Vasseur nevertheless remains under pressure because Ferrari has failed to mount a sustained championship challenge under the 2026 regulations. Both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have also publicly discussed the team’s inconsistent performances.
Hamilton has strongly supported Vasseur and recently denied reports that he had asked Ferrari to replace members of its staff.
Horner’s declaration therefore creates an obvious alternative should Ferrari eventually reconsider its leadership, but it does not confirm an approach, negotiation or vacancy at Maranello.
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F1 today: FAQ
Why is the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Saturday?
The race takes place on Saturday, September 26, because Sunday is Azerbaijan’s Remembrance Day. The entire programme was moved forward, with practice on Thursday and qualifying on Friday.
What time does the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix start?
The Azerbaijan GP starts at 12:00 UK, 07:00 ET and 15:00 local time on Saturday. It will run for 51 laps around the 6.003km Baku City Circuit.
Can Kimi Antonelli win the 2026 F1 championship in Azerbaijan?
Yes. Antonelli arrives in Baku with an 81-point lead over George Russell, making him mathematically capable of securing the championship. To become champion, he must leave Azerbaijan at least 75 points ahead.
Does Christian Horner want to join Ferrari?
Horner described Ferrari as his “dream job” and the only team he would join without demanding an ownership stake.
