Formula 1 Rumors: Multiple options for Horner’s F1 return (Update)

(GMM) Christian Horner remains at the center of speculation in Singapore, even as he emerges on the public-speaking circuit.

The former Red Bull team principal has been listed by a UK agency at minimally 25,000 pounds per appearance for conferences and after-dinner engagements.

But sources insist Horner’s true ambition is to return to Formula 1.

Haas has admitted contact but ruled out any further talks, while Aston Martin was thought to be a stronger possibility. However, team principal Andy Cowell moved to cool the chatter.

“I had a chat with Lawrence (Stroll) this morning to find out what he knows. It looks as though Christian’s ringing up pretty much every team owner at the moment, so you can pass the question along,” he said.

“I can clearly say there are no plans for involvement of Christian either in an operational or investment role in the future.”

Alpine has also been mentioned, given Horner’s long-standing friendship with Flavio Briatore. Steve Nielsen, the well-known former Renault figure now back at Enstone, commented in Singapore: “As far as I know, no.

“But Flavio and Christian are old friends, that’s no secret. What they’ve talked about, I don’t know. But everything I see and everything I know, there’s no truth in Christian coming to Alpine – but that doesn’t mean it won’t happen. This is Formula 1 after all.”

Williams boss James Vowles also denied any approach.

“I think you should always welcome a conversation,” he said when asked if Horner could ever have a place at Grove. “There’s no point closing the door.

“But I think we are very happy with the structure we have, and it’s working. So I don’t see any reason to make any changes to that.”

(GMM) Speculation is swirling in Singapore about Christian Horner’s (pictured) next move, after the ousted Red Bull boss pocketed an estimated $80-100 million payout.

The severance package allows Horner, 51, to rejoin Formula 1 as early as mid-2026, and three possible scenarios are being discussed in the paddock.

One involves Haas, although team boss Ayao Komatsu quickly dismissed the idea. “It’s true that he approached us and one of our guys had an exploratory, let’s say, talk. But that was it. Nothing’s going any further.

“I’ve got nothing more to say on that one,” said the Japanese.

Austria’s oe24 reported that Horner has even looked at founding Formula 1’s 12th team, with talks said to be ongoing with investors. Entry before 2028 is considered unlikely, but insiders believe Horner is determined to return as team principal of his own operation.

The most credible option appears to be a reunion with Adrian Newey at Aston Martin. The pair have reportedly repaired their previously fractured relationship – even attending a recent Oasis concert together – while Horner has past links with Aston through team sponsorship and the Valkyrie hypercar project.

Aston Martin principal Andy Cowell would not deny the rumors when asked by Auto Motor und Sport. “As far as I know, Christian is currently taking some time off. But he loves this sport. His successes speak for themselves.

“Whatever he does, we wish him the best.”

Asked if the Silverstone-based outfit has room for another heavyweight figure, Cowell was evasive. “We are a strong but still young team that has strengthened itself in recent months with great people like Adrian Newey and Enrico Cardile. We have a new factory and the best tools, which we want to make the most of.

“Our plan is to continue to grow and move forward. Christian needs to know what he wants to do in the future.”

If Horner does join Aston, his role would likely mirror Dr Helmut Marko at Red Bull or Niki Lauda at Mercedes – an external advisor and shareholder outside the budget cap. Newey himself is said to have been offered a 2.5 percent stake.

Owner Lawrence Stroll has already brought in a wave of senior hires, including Cowell, Newey, Cardile, Bob Bell, Eric Blandin, and former Red Bull lieutenants Giles Wood and Giles Scott. “We’re growing and building a team that’s moving forward,” Cowell said.

“Our focus was very deliberately on the 2026 season.”