Horner left his roles as Red Bull team principal and chief executive after the British Grand Prix in July 2025, ending a 20-year spell with the Milton Keynes team. After a period in which he could not work for another team, he has explored ways back into the sport, with taking an ownership stake his preferred route.
That opportunity has yet to emerge. In an interview with The Times, Horner said Ferrari would be the sole exception to his preference for ownership if he returned to a conventional team-principal job. He called the Italian team Formula 1’s biggest brand and described the role as a dream, while stressing that he did not need to return simply to resume life on the pit wall.
Horner’s record gives the speculation weight: Red Bull won four consecutive drivers’ and constructors’ titles with Sebastian Vettel from 2010 to 2013, then four drivers’ championships with Max Verstappen from 2021 to 2024. The team also secured constructors’ titles in 2022 and 2023.
He said the continued discussion of his future after 14 months outside the sport suggested there was still demand for him. Asked whether he could return by next year, he said he did not know. His remarks therefore indicate a preference, not a confirmed negotiation or appointment.
Horner also revisited his rivalry with Mercedes chief Toto Wolff, saying Wolff had an easier time while he was absent and suggesting his return would make the competition harder. The two frequently clashed during their teams’ title battles, including the 2021 season. For now, Horner says he can afford to be selective; a Ferrari role is the one team-principal job he has publicly identified as capable of changing that position.