Christian Horner dealt Ferrari blow as Domenicali warns against ‘fanciful solutions’
Domenicali has dismissed Horner's pitch for the Ferrari job (Photo: Race Pictures)
10:00, 30 Sep
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Connor Andrews is Formula 1 and MotoGP writer for GPblog and various outlets. Having worked in motorsport for 15 years for leading companies, he has interviewed the sports biggest names and attended multiple Grands Prix.
With Christian Horner once again the biggest topic in Formula 1, the sport’s CEO has poured cold water on his return.
Ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Horner said he would return as team principal for one team only, Ferrari.
The comments were timely, with the current occupant of that role, Fred Vasseur, under heavy pressure during another tricky season, prompting paddock rumblings that he might soon be let go.
However, according to F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, such an idea should be avoided.
The Italian held the same position at the Scuderia from 2008 to 2014, and believes it’s time for everyone to calm down.
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In fact, he even made a comment that could be perceived as a slight dig at Horner’s self-promotion.
Domenicali issues warning amid Horner Ferrari links
Speaking on Rai Radio1, he said: "This is a time when the results aren't what we expect.
“My experience tells me that, especially at a time of so many voices, including self-candidates from important people, we must remain strong, united, and avoid fanciful solutions that risk misleading us and causing further delays.
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"Whoever is in charge of a team like Ferrari, Fred Vasseur, must have the desire to stay on course and be clear about what needs to be done to ensure a winning streak.
“The stormier the weather, the more the captain needs to stay on course.”
Domenicali's intervention comes at a key time for Vasseur (Photo: Race Pictures)
Horner’s intervention came ahead of another poor weekend for Ferrari, where Charles Leclerc finished fourth and Lewis Hamilton sixth.
The sport’s most successful team haven’t won a drivers’ championship since 2007, and are looking increasingly likely to hit the 20-year mark.
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During the same period, Horner won eight drivers’ titles and six constructors’ titles as Red Bull’s CEO and team principal before his 2025 departure.
So consequential was Horner’s bombshell pitch for the job that even Vasseur had to respond in Baku.
Vasseur responds to Horner: ‘He is looking for a job’
"Mr Horner is looking for a job,” he said. “Everybody knows, everywhere.
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"What can I do? I just try to do my best to push the team, ask the team to be motivated, focus on what is better today, and not spend time on gossip. In each interview, it will be 25 times a day."
He added: "We are not working in perfect serenity.
"For me, first, but for everybody in the team, for the media, for the 50 per cent of the questions about this. I think it's a bit of a frustrating situation.
"We are fighting for P2 in the championship. At the end of the day, we are all speaking a lot about this, and even for the guys in the garage to discuss about this, it's not the best discussion that we can have.
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"But it is what it is, it's not in my hands."
Ferrari have since released a statement in defence of their current team principal.
Ferrari publicly back Vasseur amid mounting speculation
It read: "In recent days, there has been increasing speculation surrounding Scuderia Ferrari and its leadership. Ferrari's position is clear and has not changed.
"Ferrari has made its choices. We had confidence in Fred Vasseur and his team, and we continue to do so. At this moment, it is essential that the team remains united and cohesive, focusing all its energy on the work ahead.
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"Ferrari has always attracted extraordinary interest, and it is only natural that many professionals aspire to be part of it. It is a reflection of the strength of what Ferrari represents.
"We do not intend to fuel speculation or comment on assumptions coming from outside the company. Our focus is on the work, on improving performance, and on looking ahead. This is the Ferrari spirit: humility and complete focus on the future."
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