Christian Horner has responded for the first time to alleged interest from Ferrari in his services. The Red Bull team boss rules out a sensational move to Italy and sees himself at the helm of the Austrian racing team for many more years. “Over time, I’ve had one or more inquiries from virtually every racing team, which is flattering, but Red Bull is my home,” he said.
German publication BILD reported this week that Ferrari had reached out to Christian Horner a few weeks ago. The position of team boss Frédéric Vasseur is under pressure as the racing team is experiencing its worst season start in years. “Rumors are part of Formula 1,” Horner told the German outlet in Barcelona. “But there’s more talk outside the team than within. I’ve built the racing team from day one. My track record speaks for itself. I’m fully committed to the team, the 2000 people who work for us, and the shareholders, and I feel their full support. I can’t see myself anywhere else and I’m looking forward to the future with the new engines from next season.”
‘Red Bull is My Home’
When asked about the truth behind the rumors, the 51-year-old British Red Bull team boss remains tight-lipped. “Again, I feel the confidence and don’t want to work anywhere else. The fact that I’m still here proves that. Over time, I’ve had one or more inquiries from virtually every racing team, which is flattering, but Red Bull is my home,” he emphasizes. “If I wanted, I could quit tomorrow. I’ve won more races than any other team boss. I’ve won 14 world titles. I don’t have to prove anything to anyone anymore. But I don’t want to quit yet. My job is more than just a job.”
During the press conference in Barcelona, the rumor is also a hot topic. When Horner wonders aloud how he would cope in Italy, he can’t resist poking fun at a colleague: “My Italian is worse than Flavio’s (Briatore) English, so how would that work?”
Exit Clause
Another rumor circulating in the Barcelona paddock is that Max Verstappen cannot activate an exit clause if he is still in P3 in the drivers’ standings at the end of June, meaning he cannot leave Red Bull prematurely. “We’re not worried in the least,” Horner claims. “Max has made his position very clear internally. He feels comfortable with us and enjoys working with the team. His mentality matches ours: we always want to win. I don’t see him anywhere other than Red Bull in the near future.”
