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F1 pundits discuss Horner's return to Formula 1 next season

21:08, 03 Oct

Updated: 22:01, 03 Oct

byShayni Solanki

Formula 1 pundits Jenson Button and Anthony Davidson share thoughts on Christian Horner's return to F1 next season, with Davidson suggesting that Horner at Aston Martin 'would not work.'

Speaking on Sky Sports, F1 World Champion Jenson Button said: "I would be surprised to see if Christian was at Aston Martin!

"Christian has worked with one of the best teams in the business, so he will be useful."

"I can’t see it working at Aston Martin, although he has that history with Newey."

- Anthony Davidson

Horner was dismissed Red Bull in July, getting replaced by Laurent Mekies.

The Brit was at the helm of Red Bull for 20 years. Despite reports suggesting he received a $100 million payout, GPblog understands that figure to be inaccurate.

The sum Horner got paid for his tenure at Red Bull Racing, spanning across two decades, was around £52 million.

Davidson: Horner's "desperate" to get back to paddock

On the idea that Horner could move to Aston Martin, Davidson said: "Christian has that connection and history with Adrian Newey, who was one of Horner’s first signings at Red Bull.

“Christian, Newey and those drivers grew that team into what it is today. We know those skillsets Christian has as a team boss.

“He’s desperate, it seems, to get back into the paddock to continue. He’s young enough to carry on in F1, of course.

“But, I can’t see it working at Aston Martin, although he has that history with Newey. The team seem pretty set at the moment with the structure they have in place. Andy Cowell and the others are doing a great job.

“The team will be well on their way, putting their roots down for 2026.

“Christian has also been in contact with Haas, so it’s not just the sharp end of the grid, it’s any team it seems he wants to get back in with.

“Let’s watch this space. I’m sure he will return at some point.”

Christian Horner and Andy Cowell at the British GP's press conference - Photo: Race Pictures

Yesterday, Andy Cowell also left the door open for the Briton to join, saying: "I think I'll refer back to what I said. We've got a plan and we're marching forward.

"I guess Christian needs to work out where he wants to play a part in the future. Who knows what will happen."

A day later at the team representatives' press conference, the Aston Martin CEO and team boss commented: "It looks as though Christian’s ringing up pretty much every team owner at the moment."

In September, F1 journalist Joe Saward detailed the possibility of Horner joining Aston Martin. GPblog understands there was no truth to these rumours either.

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During the media day of the Singapore Grand Prix, Haas F1 team boss Ayao Komatsu mentioned Horner approaching his team.

“Yes it’s true that he approached us. And then one of our guys had an exploratory, let’s say, a talk. Then that’s it. Then nothing’s gone any further," he commented.

GPblog understands it was not Horner who initially approached the American team. There was no direct contact from him; rather, an intermediary reached out to both Horner and a representative of team owner Gene Haas.

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