Christian Horner fired: Where will ex-Red Bull boss go next?

Christian Horner was relieved of his CEO and team principal duties on 9 July, after two decades at the helm of Red Bull Racing.



Having led the team to six Formula 1 Constructors’ World Championships and eight World Drivers’ Championships, the 51-year-old stands as one of the sport’s most iconic figures.



His sudden departure from the Milton Keynes-based outfit will place several teams on high alert – with other team principals at risk of being replaced by the divisive yet successful British racing great.



Cadillac prepared to swoop



Horner’s gardening leave period is expected to end before the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season. Until then, the ex-Red Bull figurehead is restricted from working for another team within the global single-seater series. 



Cadillac will enter Formula 1 as the sport’s 11th competitor next year – and Horner’s return coincides with the American team’s arrival. 



READ: Cadillac’s Entry into Formula 1: What It Means for the Sport’s Future



Collaboration between the pair could represent a perfect match in terms of optics. For Cadillac, it would legitimise its fledgling Formula 1 brand. As for Horner, the switch to Cadillac may feel familiar – with Red Bull’s steady rise to glory spearheaded by the veteran boss. 



From Milton Keynes to Maranello?



Whispers of a potential move to Ferrari swirled around the paddock long before Horner’s shock mid-season exit from Red Bull. 



Further fuelling these rumours are reports that higher-ups at the Prancing Horse are frustrated by Fred Vasseur’s lack of progress in 2025 – proven by Lewis Hamilton’s and Charles Leclerc’s struggles. 



On this point, bookmaker analysis undertaken by data experts in sports betting with FIRST.com has revealed that Vasseur’s team are currently the third favourite to win this year’s Constructors’ Championship… despite being second on the standings at the midway point of the campaign. 



However, it is unlikely that Hamilton — who has directly battled Horner’s drivers for years and undoubtedly holds power within Maranello — would green-light the arrival of his fellow Briton.



Alpine in pole position for Horner



A team in a perennial downward spiral; Alpine would benefit from Christian Horner’s vast Formula 1 expertise.



Interestingly, Alpine and Red Bull facilities sit just one hour apart – and several staff members have swapped one for the other in recent years. Horner’s familiarity with certain employees, as well as the fact that he would not need to uproot his family, could work in favour of the begrudging current team leader, Flavio Briatore.



Should Horner accept an approach from Alpine, a steep challenge awaits. The team has failed to compete since diverting from Renault branding, and significant pressure rests on the shoulders of the 2026 car.



Aston Martin also in the mix



Lawrence Stroll is reportedly prepared to break the bank in order to sign Max Verstappen in 2026 and beyond. 



The acquisition of Christian Horner at Aston Martin could improve Aston Martin’s chances of landing the Dutchman – provided their relationship remains intact after a difficult period.



However, Horner’s purported desire to own a portion of a team could work against any relationship between both parties. On top of that potential divide, Aston Martin only hired Andy Cowell as team principal this year. 



Christian Horner’s future remains up in the air – but clarity should come forth before the start of testing for the next generation of Formula 1 cars in early 2026.
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