Which F1 team is the best fit for Christian Horner after Red Bull axe?

Christian Horner's dramatic departure from Red Bull in July 2025, ending a remarkable 20-year tenure, has left one of F1's most successful team principals actively seeking his next opportunity.

After negotiating a considerable severance package that crucially allows him to return to F1 in early 2026, Horner has been, according to Aston Martin's Andy Cowell, "ringing around almost every team" looking for work.

However, his options are more limited than his impressive CV might suggest...

Several high-profile teams have already ruled themselves out. Aston Martin CEO Cowell delivered a blunt public rejection in Singapore, stating there are "no plans for involvement of Christian either in an operational or investment role."

Lawrence Stroll's ambitions to lure Max Verstappen away from Red Bull make Horner's toxic relationship with Jos Verstappen particularly problematic.

Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu was equally direct: "That's it. Nothing has gone any further. It is finished." Despite initial discussions, owner Gene Haas's stubborn refusal to accept any outside investment creates an irreconcilable conflict with Horner's stated requirement for equity ownership.

Mercedes and McLaren are non-starters due to deeply personal rivalries. Toto Wolff remains Horner's "arch rival," with their relationship so toxic that Wolff recently called Horner an "asshole."

Meanwhile, the feud with McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown "went too far," with Horner calling Brown a "pr*ck" in Drive to Survive after Brown demanded an external investigation into allegations against Horner.

Other possibilities

Ferrari presents the most intriguing immediate opportunity, despite team principal Fred Vasseur having recently signed a new contract.

But Horner's desire for equity rather than being subject to others' authority could complicate negotiations with Ferrari's strict hierarchy under chairman John Elkann, if the Maranello-based squad did opt to sever ties with Vasseur — and that is a big if.

Alpine offers perhaps the cleanest path back. The French team currently lacks an official team principal, with Flavio Briatore fulfilling those functions after Oliver Oakes' departure. Although Steve Nielsen, as managing director, somewhat muddies the waters.

This structural gap makes Alpine a natural fit for Horner's experience, and could provide the investment opportunity he seeks. There have been murmurs of Bernie Ecclestone also getting involved in a potential deal.

Williams remains a dark horse, though no concrete discussions have emerged publicly. The Grove-based team's current leadership under James Vowles appears stable, but despite confirming Horner had not called, he said: "I think you should always welcome a conversation. There’s no point closing the door."

Although Vowles also added: "We’re very happy with the structure that we have, and it’s working. So I don’t see any reason to make any changes to that."

Cadillac could provide Horner's ideal scenario for 2026. General Motors was reportedly targeting him to lead their ambitious F1 project in the past, offering the control and ownership stake he desires while building from scratch under new regulations. However, it has been completely quiet on the fledgling American squad's front of late.

Audi's entry through their Sauber partnership adds another dimension, though their current team structure under Jonathan Wheatley and Mattia Binotto certainly limits immediate opportunities.

Therefore, both of F1's newest teams are highly unlikely to be a new home for Horner.

Which F1 do you think is the best fit for Christian Horner? Let us know in the comment section and by voting below in the latest poll by RacingNews365!