Red Bull recently officially bid farewell to team boss Christian Horner. After being relieved of his duties in July, the split became final in September. The 51-year-old Brit negotiated a generous severance package and is reportedly planning a comeback in Formula 1. Various team bosses confirm that Horner has reached out, but they remain tight-lipped about a potential return.
According to Aston Martin CEO Andy Cowell, Christian Horner is weighing his options. “He’s been on the phone with virtually every team owner,” said the Brit during the official FIA press conference in Singapore. He previously seemed to leave the door ajar for Horner, who has ‘a proven track record’. At Aston Martin, a possible collaboration with Adrian Newey, the top designer who worked with Horner at Red Bull for many years, is enticing. “I can clearly state that there are no plans for a future collaboration with Christian, either in an operational or investment role,” Cowell added.
Comeback at Alpine?
Alpine director Steve Nielsen was also present at the press conference. He admitted that Flavio Briatore, executive top advisor and de facto team boss of the Enstone team, is ‘old friends’ with Horner and therefore maintains contact with him. “I don’t know what they’re talking about,” he admitted. “I only know that there are no plans for Christian to come to Alpine, but that of course doesn’t mean it won’t happen.”
Horner’s Potential Return to Formula 1
Previously, Horner was linked to the Haas team. In an interview with BBC Sport, team boss Ayao Komatsu revealed that the Brit had ‘approached’ him. “Nothing else happened,” he concluded emphatically. Horner could potentially return to Formula 1 in the middle of next year. Various sources reported that he received a severance payment of nearly 100 million dollars, to be distributed over the next five years.
Horner was instrumental in the creation of the Red Bull Formula 1 team and led the Milton Keynes-based team for twenty years. Under his leadership, the team secured eight drivers’ titles and six constructors’ championships.
