Shock: Ferrari created an earthquake for the whole F1 with Horner’s contract after leaving Redbull at the request of an unexpected request from Lewis Hamilton himself.
The world of Formula 1 was turned upside down by a resounding announcement on July 10, 2025: Ferrari confirmed the hiring of Christian Horner as a new team director, only a few days after his hasty departure from Red Bull Racing. This change, which took the short paddock, sparked intense speculation and debates, with an unexpected demand from the star driver of Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton, adding even more suspense to an already dramatic history. This development not only reshapes the future of Ferrari, but also impacts the whole sport, raising questions about team dynamics, championship ambitions and the balance of forces in F1.
The departure of Christian Horner from Red Bull, announced on July 9, 2025, ended 20 years of collaboration with the stable, which had won six manufacturers’ championships and eight pilot titles under his direction. His departure followed a tumultuous period marked by internal tensions, a scandal resounding in 2024 involving allegations of inappropriate driving (of which he was bleached), and the difficulties of Red Bull on track in 2025. While the stable was crumbling in the fourth place in the manufacturers’ classification and that the star pilot Max Verstappen was considering a transfer to Mercedes made the unexpected decision to separate from Horner, replacing him by Laurent Mekies, former leader of Ferrari. The announcement caused a shock wave in the world of motorsport, but no one could have predicted the continuation: Ferrari was approaching to attach the services of Horner.
Ferrari’s interest in Horner is not entirely new. As early as May 2025, rumors suggested that Ferrari president John Elkann had approached Horner to offer him to replace Fred Vasseur, whose leadership was closely scrutinized by the irregular performances of Ferrari this season. Despite the great hopes aroused by the 2025 season with the signing of Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari is struggling to compete with McLaren, leader of the manufacturers’ championship. Horner, with his proven experience in the creation of victorious teams, was perceived as an engine potential for the Scuderia. However, the previous rumors were denied by Horner and Ferrari, which makes this announcement all the more surprising.
What added a bit of suspense to this saga is the alleged involvement of Lewis Hamilton in the promotion of Horner. Sources close to Ferrari revealed that Hamilton, who joined the stable in 2025 to target an eighth world champion title, made an unexpected request during internal discussions. The seven -time world champion would have insisted that Ferrari recruited a team director with a proven winning spirit in order to maximize the potential of the team as part of the very competitive regulation of 2026. The history of Hamilton with Horner is complex, marked by a fierce rivalry during the fight for the title of 2021 between Red Bull and Mercedes, who culminated with the controversial victory Max Verstappen in Abu Dhabi. However, Hamilton’s apparent support in Horner suggests a pragmatic approach, favoring success with past tensions.
The arrival of Horner at Ferrari is a bold decision for the Maranello stable, which has not won a manufacturer championship since 2008. His style of leadership, characterized by strategic acuity and a gift for the development of talents, could give Ferrari the spark necessary to return to the top. At Red Bull, Horner led the ascent of Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, winning 124 Grand Prix victories and 107 pole positions. Its ability to manage pressure environments and manage complex team dynamics will be crucial so that Ferrari can capitalize on their pilot duo Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, both eager for success.
However, this decision is not without risks. Horner’s personality, amplified by his appearances in the Netflix series “Drive to Survive“, And his controversial past could create friction within the traditionally insular culture of Ferrari. In addition, his relationship with Hamilton, although apparently reinforced by the pilot’s requirements, will be closely monitored. The 2021 season was marked by stormy exchanges between Horner and former Hamilton team director Toto Wolff, and some wonder if old injuries could resurface under the intense pressure of Ferrari expectations.
The wider implications for F1 are just as important. Horner’s departure from Red Bull has fueled speculation about the future of Verstappen, Mercedes apparently being in talks to attract the quadruple champion. Ferrari’s bold decision to make sure Horner could further destabilize the grid, while teams are reassesing their strategies in anticipation of regulatory changes in 2026. At the same time, Laurent Mekies’s appointment at Red Bull marks the start of a new era for the Milton Keynes stable, but doubts remain as to its ability to replace Horner.
For Ferrari fans, Horner’s arrival is a declaration of intent. The team’s decision to act quickly and resolutely, combined with the unexpected influence of Hamilton, strengthens its determination to end its scarcity of titles. While the Belgian Grand Prix is fast approaching, all eyes will be turned to Maranello to see if this radical change will allow Ferrari to obtain so desired success. The 2025 season, already full of surprises, has become even more unpredictable.
