Christian Horner says he would love to work for Ferrari one day. Image: XPB Images
More than a year after his departure from Red Bull, Horner has continued to be linked with several potential routes back to the paddock, but has now singled out the Scuderia as the opportunity that holds the greatest appeal.
Speaking to The Times ahead of a publicity tour for his upcoming book, the 52-year-old reiterated that simply returning as another employee holds little appeal after more than two decades running Red Bull.
Ferrari, however, would change that equation.
“I’ve been a hired hand. I did 21 years sitting on the pit wall. I don’t need to go back to that,” Horner said.
“At this stage in my life, there’s only one team for which I would accept non-participation in ownership.
“Would I consider Ferrari? I mean, Ferrari is the biggest brand in Formula 1. It’s the dream. And arguably it’s the sleeping giant of Formula 1.”
It represents Horner’s strongest declaration of interest in the Italian team after his name has repeatedly surfaced in speculation surrounding its leadership.
Ferrari is currently headed by Fred Vasseur, who signed a multi-year contract extension in 2025 understood to keep him with the team until at least the end of 2027.
There is no indication Ferrari has approached Horner, although his comments leave little doubt he would be willing to listen should an opportunity eventually emerge.
Horner’s availability has been the subject of speculation since his lengthy Red Bull tenure ended in July 2025, with Alpine and Aston Martin among the other teams previously connected with a potential move.
He had led Red Bull since it entered F1 in 2005, overseeing championship-winning eras with both Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen before his departure brought that 20-year period to an end.
Despite having spent more than a year away from the paddock, Horner believes the continued interest in his next move is evidence that there remains an appetite for him to return.
“I think the fact that, 14 months out of the sport, they’re still talking about me shows that there’s still a demand. Perhaps I wasn’t that unpopular,” he said.
Horner is in no rush to take the first opportunity available, however, insisting any new project would have to provide the motivation he enjoyed during his years at Red Bull.
“I’m in a very fortunate position that I can afford to be picky,” he said.
“If I don’t do anything, I can live here for whatever time I’ve got left on the planet, and just worry about whether it’s going to rain and make the grass green or not.
“But is that going to fulfil me? No. I still feel that there’s another dance. And Toto [Wolff] needs to have his hair fucking ruffled up.”
Horner is set to visit Australia early next year, with his long-delayed speaking tour scheduled for March.