Christian Horner, former Red Bull Racing team principal and CEO, announced his immediate exit on Wednesday, ending a 20-year tenure as the only team chief in the team’s history. The reasons behind his abrupt departure remain undisclosed, triggering widespread speculation about his next career move, with Alpine and Ferrari named as potential destinations for the Briton.
Potential Opportunities at Alpine and Ferrari
Alpine, currently leaderless after Oliver Oakes stepped down in May, has seen Flavio Briatore temporarily fill the team principal role while Steve Nielsen was appointed managing director. Horner’s connection with Briatore adds weight to rumors linking him to Alpine. Meanwhile, Fred Vasseur’s future at Ferrari has been the subject of ongoing speculation, though both the French team principal and senior drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have dismissed these rumors.
Insiders Discuss Horner’s Fit With Ferrari and Alpine
Former Formula 1 reporter Will Buxton and BBC Radio 5 Live F1 presenter Jennie Gow explored the potential of Horner joining either team during an appearance on The Sports Agents podcast. Gow expressed doubt over Horner fitting into Ferrari, saying,
“I mean, honestly, no, I can’t,”
and elaborated that while Ferrari is rumored to be interested in Horner, it does not seem like an ideal match. She highlighted Horner’s apparent closer ties to Alpine through Briatore, noting Briatore’s respectful social media posts about Horner.
Buxton echoed this sentiment but also added a concern about Hamilton’s position at Ferrari, stating,
“But maybe they’ll surprise me. And do I see Lewis Hamilton wanting to work with Christian? Not really.”
Lewis Hamilton’s Relationship With Fred Vasseur Key to His Future
Buxton emphasized the significance of Fred Vasseur to Hamilton’s decision to join Ferrari, pointing out that the driver’s loyalty was driven not just by the prestige of the Scuderia but by his strong bond with Vasseur, who guided Hamilton through his junior championships. Buxton warned of the consequences if Vasseur were to be replaced, stating,
“Lewis adores that man and has absolute faith in Fred Vasseur. If they replaced Fred with Christian Horner, I don’t think Lewis would be a Ferrari driver for much longer.”
Implications for Ferrari and Hamilton’s Career
The possibility of Horner stepping into the role previously held by Fred Vasseur raises significant risks for Ferrari, particularly regarding driver retention. Hamilton’s reported trust and respect for Vasseur suggest that any managerial change involving Horner could destabilize the driver-team relationship. As Ferrari and Alpine contemplate leadership changes, the decisions made could rapidly reshape the competitive landscape heading into future seasons.