The F1 paddock was shocked after Red Bull broke the news that the team principal and CEO, Christian Horner, had been sacked. The 51-year-old had been at the helm since the team’s inception 20 years ago, and delivered multiple titles for drivers and the team.
Horner’s sacking has left him free to join other teams on the grid. He has been linked to replace Fred Vasseur at Ferrari. However, an F1 insider has claimed that if Horner joins Ferrari, their star signing Lewis Hamilton might leave the Scuderia.
Lewis Hamilton will leave Ferrari if Christian Horner joins
Ferrari has had a difficult first half of the 2025 season. They are the only top four teams yet to win a grand prix, and sit 238 points behind leaders McLaren. Ferrari were expected to challenge for the title this season after running the papaya team close last season. However, this hasn’t materialised. This has led to pressure on team principal Fred Vasseur.
Rumours have begun circulating that if Vasseur were to go, Christian Horner would be brought in to replace the Frenchman. This wouldn’t please seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who clashed with Horner many times during the 2021 titanic championship battle with Max Verstappen. F1 analyst Will Buxton has gone on to say that if Horner joined Ferrari, Hamilton would leave the Prancing Horse.
Speaking on the Sports Agents Podcast, Buxton claimed: “If they replaced Fred [Vasseur] with Christian Horner, I don’t think Lewis would be a Ferrari driver for much longer.”
Hamilton has a good relationship with Vasseur and has given his boss public backing. Ferrari is still second in the championship and hopes their final upgrade package can propel them to challenge McLaren.
However, Hamilton and Horner have a bitter history. The pair haven’t seen eye to eye since the 2021 season, and past tensions could resurface if they are brought together in Maranello. Ferrari would take a risk by hiring Horner, possibly leading to Hamilton’s departure. Ferrari needs to choose who is more influential for the team.
What’s next for Christian Horner in F1?
Christian Horner’s next move could see a chain effect occur throughout F1. If he is brought to Maranello, questions will be asked about where that leaves Lewis Hamilton and if anyone would hire Fred Vasseur. However, there are potential other opportunities which could land in Horner’s way.
Aston Martin has had a very disappointing season. They currently sit eighth in the championship, two seasons on from fighting for podiums. The decline of the Silverstone-based team has led to questions being asked about the team. Bringing in someone of Horner’s calibre would help push the Green team further up the grid. Horner would also link up with former Red Bull colleague Adrian Newey and the team’s new engine provider, Honda.
F1 Analyst Drops Massive Clue On Christian Horner’s Future Days After Shocking Red Bull Exit
Another possible option could be Alpine. Oliver Oakes left the team in May, and Alpine has left Flavio Briatore in temporary charge. Horner could rejuvenate the French team, and he has experience in rebuilding teams. But what should Horner’s next move be? Will he even continue in F1? Leave your comments below.
