Formula 1 has been shaken by news that few expected: Christian Horner, the iconic chief of Red Bull Racing, has been dismissed immediately after two decades at the head of the team. This decision, announced on July 9, 2025, has generated a whirlwind of speculation about the future of the British, especially in relation to Ferrari, a team that, according to the Italian journalist Leo Turrini, could be about to achieve what he did not achieve in two previous attempts: sign Horner. Horner’s departure not only marks the end of an era in Red Bull, but also raises questions about the course of Formula 1 at a critical moment for the Austrian team.
The impact of this decision reverbera on the paddock. Red Bull, who under the leadership of Horner conquered eight pilot titles and six builders, has lost his supremacy in recent years. The team, currently in the fourth position of the Constructors Championship with only 172 points compared to the 460 of McLaren, has faced a sports and organizational crisis that culminated with the British departure. Laurent Mekies, former sports director of Ferrari and until now Racing Bulls head, will assume the role of CEO of Red Bull Racing, a transition that promises significant changes in the structure of the team.
Horner’s departure was not a total surprise. Since the death of Dietrich Mateschitz in 2022, internal tensions in Red Bull intensified. A struggle of power between the Austrian faction, led by Oliver Mintzlaff, and the Thai, headed by Chalerm Yoovidhya, marked the beginning of a civil war that Horner could not win. According to Turrini, in his blogDeep red“The civil war, which broke out more than a year ago, ended with the victory, at least apparent, of the Marko-senior duo.” This conflict, aggravated by the exit of key figures such as Adrian Newey, who joined Aston Martin, and the disappointing results of pilots such as Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson, eroded Horner’s position within the team.
Horner’s dismissal arrives at a delicate time for Red Bull. Max Verstappen, the most valuable asset of the team, faces an uncertain future. Despite its four world titles, the Dutch is 69 points from the leader of the championship, Oscar Piastri, and his car has not responded as in previous years. The threat that Verstappen can join Mercedes has been a determining factor in Red Bull’s decision to sacrifice Horner to retain the pilot. Grüner Tobias, journalistAuto Motor SportHe said that “with the march of Horner, the threat of losing Verstappen should, at least, be avoided for the moment.” However, the question persists: was Horner’s departure a movement to save Verstappen or a consequence of not having it?
Meanwhile, rumors about Horner’s next destination have not been long in coming. Ferrari, a team that has historically courted the British, emerges as an intriguing possibility. Leo Turrini, a respected voice in the world of Formula 1, did not hesitate to enliven the speculation in his blog: “Everyone knows that, on two recent occasions, Horner has rejected Ferrari offers. Will the third be the defeated one?” These words have turned on the imagination of fans, who see in Horner a figure capable of revitalizing the Scuderia, which currently occupies the third position in the Construction Championship, behind McLaren and Mercedes.
The relationship between Horner and Ferrari is not new. In recent years, the British has been linked to Maranello on at least two occasions, but personal and professional factors led him to decline the offers. Ted Kravitz, a journalist of Sky Sports, analyzed the reasons behind his reluctance: “Horner received an approach from Ferrari, but with his family, his three children, would he really want to move to Italy? Did he take out his children from school? In addition, he resurrect Ferrari, without speaking Italian and without knowing completely the surroundings, seemed too steep.” However, now that Horner is free of his responsibilities in Red Bull, circumstances could have changed.
The possibility that Horner joins Ferrari raises an interesting dilemma, especially for the presence of Lewis Hamilton in the team from 2025. The rivalry between Hamilton and Horner, marked by clashes in the 2021 season, could complicate this union. Kravitz said that “there has been a lot of water under the bridge in the relationship between Hamilton and Horner.” Despite this, Turrini insists that Ferrari’s interest is not a secret: “It is the secret of neat. Everyone knows that Horner has been contacted by Ferrari in the past.” The question now is whether the British is willing to assume the challenge of leading the most iconic formula 1.
On the other hand, Alpine has also emerged as a possible destination for Horner. According to reports, the British would be exploring the possibility of acquiring a participation in the French team, which crosses his own crisis after the departure of Oliver Oakes. This option could be more viable for Horner, since many Alpine employees have previous Red Bull experience, which would facilitate the transition. However, Ferrari’s attraction, with his history and prestige, seems to be a more powerful magnet for a man who has demonstrated his ability to transform teams into champions.
Horner’s departure also has economic implications. With a current contract until 2030, the Briton could receive compensation exceeding 50 million euros, according toThe Telegraph. His salary, which in 2023 reached 8.92 million pounds in Red Bull Technology, consolidated him as one of the best paid directors of Formula 1. This financial aspect could bake the freedom to choose his next step with care, either in Ferrari, Alpine or even out of Formula 1.
The impact of this decision transcends Red Bull and Ferrari. Formula 1 is at a turning point, with regulatory changes scheduled for 2026 and an increasingly competitive grill. Horner’s departure could trigger a domino effect, affecting not only the future of Verstappen, but also the dynamics of power in the paddock. Laurent Mekies, now in front of Red Bull, faces the monumental task of stabilizing a team in crisis while convincing Verstappen of staying. In Maranello, Fred Vasseur could face pressure if Horner rumors intensify.
While fans are looking forward to the next Movement of Horner, one thing is safe: their legacy in Red Bull, with 124 victories and 14 world titles, makes it a coveted figure. Is Ferrari able to convince him this time? Or will Horner choose a less busy path, like Alpine? Only time will say it, but, as Turrini said, “the dismissal of Horner opens indifferent scenarios.” Formula 1, faithful to its nature, promises more emotions both on and off the track.
