HORNER SAYS FERRARI ONLY TEAM HE WOULD JOIN WITHOUT STAKE

Christian Horner has said Ferrari is the only Formula 1 team that could persuade him to return to the sport without taking an ownership stake. Speaking to The Times, Horner said a move to Ferrari would be a "dream" and that he would accept the role without an equity share, unlike any other team. He said: "At this stage in my life, there's only one team for which I would accept non-participation in ownership." Horner called Ferrari "the biggest brand in Formula 1" and "arguably the sleeping giant of Formula 1." He did not say whether he has held talks with Ferrari.

Horner was sacked by Red Bull in July 2025, shortly after the British Grand Prix, ending a near 20-year spell at the Milton Keynes-based team, during which Red Bull won multiple world championships with drivers including Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen. He was succeeded by Laurent Mekies, promoted from Red Bull's sister team, Visa Cash App Racing Bulls. In the interview, Horner said he had spent 21 years "sitting on the pit wall" and did not want to return to being a "hired hand." Since leaving Red Bull, he has been linked with Alpine, McLaren and Aston Martin, and has said he wants an ownership stake in any team he joins.

Horner also said Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff needs his hair ruffled. Ferrari remains the only team Horner has named as one he would join without seeking an ownership stake. No timeframe has been given for any return to Formula 1, and no team has confirmed contact with him over a position. Horner has not held a role in the sport since leaving Red Bull.