Charles Leclerc has firmly dismissed speculation about a possible comeback by Christian Horner at Ferrari. The Monegasque stated on Thursday in Austin that there is ‘no truth to it’ and that he is fully focused on his work with the team, rather than engaging with the rumor mill. Horner, who was dismissed from Red Bull in July, is reportedly working hard behind the scenes for a return.
Christian Horner, former team boss of Red Bull, has been linked with a return to Formula 1 for some time. In September, he officially parted ways with the Austrian racing team after securing a substantial severance package. Reportedly, the Brit is set to earn hundreds of millions of dollars over the next five years. Since then, he has been linked with various teams, including Ferrari. Aston Martin team boss Andy Cowell confirmed in Singapore that Horner has ‘been in touch with all team owners’.
The rumors follow a disappointing sporting year for Scuderia. Team boss Fred Vasseur has been under pressure at various times due to the results; in eighteen Grand Prix, Ferrari did not get further than second place. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, the new star driver in Maranello, is also still waiting for his first podium finish. Teammate Charles Leclerc is aware of the rumors surrounding Horner, but easily dismisses them.
‘Nothing to it’
In the lead-up to the US Grand Prix, Carlos Sainz Jr was asked about the possible arrival of Christian Horner. “It’s not something you want to read,” he responded to the media in Austin. “We are fully focused on what we want to achieve. It’s never pleasant to hear such things or see rumors within the team. Between races, I pay no attention to it, because there’s nothing to it.”
The rumors surrounding Horner do not detract from the fact that Ferrari has had a disappointing season. While competitors Red Bull and Mercedes are making progress, Leclerc is focusing on improvements behind the scenes. “The reality is that we as a team are working extremely hard and are all united in our efforts to get back to the front. Whatever else is being said, I can’t do anything about it and we have no control over it.”
