Horner makes feelings crystal clear over possible Red Bull comeback
Photo: Race Pictures
Tobia is a Formula 1 journalist at GPblog with experience at international circuits. Since 2022, he has covered Grands Prix across Europe, delivering reliable coverage and insights from the paddock.
Christian Horner has addressed the possibility of returning to Red Bull more than a year after his dismissal as team principal. The Briton, who spent two decades leading the Milton Keynes-based outfit, has also opened up about his relationship with the team's shareholders following his departure.
Horner was dismissed in July 2025, shortly after the British Grand Prix, bringing an end to his 20-year spell in charge of Red Bull. During that period, the team won eight Drivers' Championships and six Constructors' Championships, with Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen both enjoying considerable success under his leadership.
The 52-year-old has since been linked with a potential return to Formula 1, although he has repeatedly made it clear that he would only consider an opportunity that offered him the chance to compete for victories.
Photo: Race Pictures
Horner makes Red Bull return stance clear
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Speaking on Jodie Kidd's Kidd in a Sweet Shop YouTube channel, Horner reflected on his time at Red Bull and addressed the possibility of returning to his former team.
His comments come more than a year after his departure from Red Bull. Although he maintains a positive relationship with the shareholders, he made it clear that his time with the Milton Keynes-based outfit is over.
"Look, that’s a chapter that I’m tremendously grateful for," he began, before adding: "I had a great run while I was there. In the end, the last couple of years weren’t much fun, but we did some amazing things, and I’m always looking forward. I still have a good relationship with the shareholders, which is important to me, but yeah, it’s done."
Horner reveals he nearly lost his Red Bull job in 2006
Horner recently revealed that he came close to being dismissed by Red Bull as early as 2006, during his second season as team principal. Speaking on the Up to Speed podcast, the Briton explained that the team's management was considering replacing him with Guenther Steiner.
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The former Red Bull boss revealed that he received a letter before the 2006 Monaco Grand Prix informing him that his contract would not be renewed. Coulthard's third-place finish that weekend, which secured Red Bull's first Formula 1 podium, proved significant. Horner also described the atmosphere within the team as unstable, admitting that he constantly felt his position was under threat.
Coulthard revealed that he defended Horner during a meeting with Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz and Dany Bahar, believing the team principal earned the respect of his staff. Horner ultimately retained his position and remained in charge until July 2025, leading Red Bull to eight Drivers' Championships and six Constructors' Championships.
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