According to former Formula 1 driver and ex-FIA steward Johnny Herbert, Christian Horner is the key to Ferrari’s return to the top of Formula 1. The recently dismissed Red Bull team boss, Herbert suggests, is precisely the leader the Scuderia needs to win titles again. Insiders report that Horner is working hard on a comeback and has already reached out to various team owners.
Following the British Grand Prix, news emerged that Horner would be leaving Red Bull with immediate effect. The dismissal took place in September, after the British and Austrian racing team reached a settlement of approximately 100 million dollars. This deal would also allow Horner to make a comeback in Formula 1 as early as mid-2026. Since then, he has been linked to several teams, including Alpine, Haas, and Aston Martin. Aston Martin team boss Andy Cowell stated in Singapore that Horner has ‘spoken to all team owners at some point’.
For Johnny Herbert, it’s clear that Ferrari needs Horner the most. The Italians have two absolute top drivers in Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, but the team has been without victories this season. Leclerc has not managed more than a second place, while Hamilton has not even stood on the podium. “Ferrari has all the ingredients, but they can’t bring them together,” Herbert told BettingLounge. “They have the drivers and hardly make any major strategic mistakes. They just lack pure speed. For that, you ultimately need a real leader – someone who knows how to create a winning culture. And that is Christian Horner.”
‘Not Another Newey’
“As always, it’s about having the right people,” Herbert continued. “You need to be able to attract the best technicians to build the fastest car. I’m sure Ferrari also tried to bring in Adrian Newey at the time – but perhaps they should have fought harder for him. They can’t afford to make that mistake again. Christian Horner should now be their main target.” Newey left Red Bull early last year. Reportedly, Ferrari offered him a massive contract at the time, but the Scuderia was unsuccessful.
“Adrian left McLaren and went to Red Bull, where he was given freedom by Horner,” Herbert noted. “Horner created the environment in which Newey could thrive. As soon as he can work freely and unhindered, you bring out the best in him – and that’s exactly what Ferrari has not yet managed to achieve.” Although team boss Frédéric Vasseur signed a multi-year contract last summer, Herbert fears that the Frenchman will come under pressure again if the results in 2026 are disappointing. “I know Vasseur has just re-signed, but if things go wrong again next year, something will have to change,” the Brit warned. “Ferrari needs someone who can change the culture, inspire people, and offer the right freedom. Horner has proven that he can do that. If Ferrari really wants to return to the top, he should be at the top of their list.”
