Montoya makes daring Horner claim and reveals wild F1 comeback theory

16:18, 23 Aug

Updated: 16:44, 23 Aug

byNorberto Mujica

Christian Horner may have left Formula 1 behind after two decades at the helm of Red Bull, but Juan Pablo Montoya believes the Briton’s story in the sport might not be over.

The Colombian, who headlines his own MontoyAS show, suggested Horner could return – unless a hidden clause prevents it.

Horner’s record as team boss speaks for itself: six Constructors’ Championships and eight Drivers’ titles, guiding the likes of Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen to dominance.

Since his exit, though, there have been no indications of a comeback or links to rival teams.

Will Horner come back to F1? 'He doesn't need to'

Montoya, however, has no doubts about Horner’s ability to step back into the paddock.

“If Christian has the chance, he’ll come back,” Montoya said.

“Whether he wants to or not, we don’t know.

"With everything that happened and the payout Red Bull must have given him, he’s financially set.”

Did Red Bull set as condition to his payout, not coming back to F1?

The former Williams and McLaren driver went further, floating the theory that Red Bull’s settlement may include conditions blocking Horner’s return.

“Maybe part of the deal was that he can’t work in F1 again, that’s the only thing that would stop him.”

Yet Montoya stressed that if the door is open, Horner’s expertise would be invaluable to almost any operation on the grid.

“If I were running a team like Aston Martin, Cadillac, Alpine, Haas, I’d hire him in two seconds,” he added.

For now, after being feebly linked to Ferrari and Alpine by various F1 pundits, the reality is that Horner is currently enjoying his spare time with his wife and family.

Aside from wild speculations, gossip and rumours, there have been no indications that put Horner back in the F1 landscape for the time being.