Christian Horner backed for new F1 role with 'only thing missing' from Red Bull position

Former Red Bull F1 driver Robert Doornbos has backed Christian Horner to make a comeback to the sport with a shareholding role.

Red Bull announced last month it had parted ways with Horner, ending the Briton's 20-year stint in the team principal position.

Laurent Mekies was named as Horner's successor, commencing a new era for the squad under fresh leadership.

But as Horner sits as one of the most successful figures in the sport's history, the 51-year-old is widely expected to make a return - a situation backed by Doornbos.

"Knowing Christian, yes," Doornbos told with Motorsport.com when asked if he expects to see Horner in the F1 paddock again.

“Let's not forget, he's incredibly young. He already has 20 years of experience, but he's still only 51. 

“20 years of experience as an F1 team principal and CEO of one of the world's largest brands, in both automotive and marketing - his successes speak for themselves."

Doornbos has suggested Horner could look to have a team ownership role as well as having day-to-day involvement in the team, akin to Toto Wolff's position at Mercedes.

“That was the only thing missing," he said. "What Lawrence Stroll [at Aston Martin] or Toto Wolff have. You simply want to be a shareholder.”

The Dutchman highlighted one team who could provide Horner the opportunity to obtain such a position.

“Only Alpine, if I go down the list," Doornbos stated. "That would be a team that, at some point, is in such dire straits and says, 'We're at a loss'. 

“Flavio [Briatore] isn't going to do it forever. Christian [could] say, 'I like a project like that, I'll take it on, and I want shares, then we'll make it a huge success again'. 

“There are also bright minds there who have been successful in the past.”