Christian Horner speaks for first time after dramatic Red Bull exit: 'I have unfinished business'

Christian Horner has spoken to media for the first time since being ousted as Red Bull team principal, declaring that he has "unfinished business in Formula 1".

Horner had been Red Bull boss from its very first season back in 2005 but was axed after last season's British Grand Prix in July. 

It marked the end of a major era in the Milton Keynes-based outfit's history and represented a shock exit from the F1 paddock for Horner. 

Since his exit from Red Bull, the Briton has been heavily linked with a move to Alpine, with a consortium led by Horner having discussed purchasing Otro Capital's 24% stake.

He feels there is more for him still in the pinnacle of motorsport but insists he would only return for the right project.

"I feel like I have unfinished business in Formula One," Horner said at the European Motor Show in Dublin, as quoted by The Guardian. "It didn’t finish the way that I would have liked it to finish.

“But I am not going to come back for just anything. I am only going to come back for something that can win. I don’t want to go back in the paddock unless I have something to do. I miss the sport, I miss the people, I miss the team that I built. 

"I had 21 incredible years in Formula One. I had a great run, won a lot of races, championships and worked with some amazing drivers, engineers and partners.

“I don’t need to go back. I could stop my career now. So I would only go back for the right opportunity to work with great people, and to work in an environment where people want to win, and they shared that desire. 

"I would want to be a partner, rather than just a hired hand, but we will see how it plays out. I am not in a rush. I don’t need to do anything."

Horner 'flattered'

Despite being asked over six months ago, Horner speaking at the European Motor Show marked his first interview, much to his surprise. 

The 52-year-old has found himself hungry to return to F1 and has found it "flattering" being rumoured with so many positions.

"What has been fascinating is that I stepped out of Red Bull on July 8, and this is the first time I have actually spoken to anyone. [In the media] I have been going to every single Formula One team, which has ranged from the back of the grid, to the middle of the grid, and to the front of the grid. And there just seems to be an appetite as to: ‘What am I going to do? Where am I going to go?’

"The reality is that until the spring I can’t do anything anyway. It is very flattering to keep being associated with all of these different teams."