P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Christian Horner’s F1 return dealt major blow
Christian Horner’s abrupt departure from F1 didn’t seem final, hinting at a potential comeback after his dismissal amidst growing concerns over Red Bull’s performance decline and Max Verstappen’s future.
Despite being on gardening leave until January 2026, Horner has been linked to several teams, including Alpine, where his close ties with Flavio Briatore make him a leading candidate for the struggling Enstone-based outfit.
Rumors had also pointed to Horner as a possible successor to Fred Vasseur at Ferrari, but those speculations were dismissed following Ferrari’s public support and multi-year contract extension for Vasseur.
Ferrari’s recent decision to stick with Vasseur casts further doubt on Horner’s immediate prospects for a move to the team, with the stable leadership aiming to maintain continuity and navigate the upcoming regulation changes.
Although Horner’s F1 return may face obstacles, his connections and experience in the sport leave the door cracked open for a potential comeback, even if it won’t materialize in the near future due to recent developments in the F1 landscape.
