A New 12th Team? Horner's Surprise Option for F1 Return

Christian Horner's recent $100 million settlement with Red Bull has fueled speculation about his F1 return, with a potential standalone 12th team now reportedly on the table alongside offers from existing squads. His Red Bull severance package allows an early return to F1, indicating his strong desire for a swift comeback, potentially with a focus on complete control and equity.

Why it matters:

Christian Horner, a figure synonymous with Red Bull's multi-championship success, is seeking a return to Formula 1 with full control and, potentially, an ownership stake. His comeback, whether with an established team or a new venture, could significantly alter the F1 landscape, injecting new competition and a proven leadership style that prioritizes comprehensive operational command.

The details:

• Horner's Red Bull settlement included an agreement allowing him to return to F1 in the first half of next year, signaling his clear intent for a rapid comeback.
• He reportedly accepted a reduced payout from Red Bull in exchange for this early release, suggesting his eagerness to pursue new F1 opportunities.
• Control is key: Horner is only interested in a role offering full control, similar to his previous position where he oversaw Red Bull Racing, the engine division, marketing, and advanced engineering.
  • This desire for comprehensive control is why he previously declined offers from Ferrari and is not eager to wait for potential management overhauls there.
• Equity interest: Beyond control, Horner is reportedly interested in equity in a team, a factor he did not have at Red Bull. This aligns with recent rumors of investors ready to back his projects.
• Potential existing teams: Alpine and Aston Martin are considered leading options where he could secure the control he seeks and potentially an equity stake.
  • He is friends with Alpine's executive advisor Flavio Briatore, making an equity deal a logical possibility to lead the Enstone-based operation.
  • Aston Martin, under Lawrence Stroll, has high ambitions, and a role with equity could be attractive, especially given the precedent set with Adrian Newey's stake in the team.
  • While friction between Horner and Newey was reported, their relationship is understood to have mended, with recent social outings affirming their renewed friendship.
  • Haas has also been mentioned, but team owner Gene Haas is currently unwilling to sell, making it a less likely immediate target.

The big picture:

Beyond joining an existing team, a "leftfield" idea currently under evaluation is for Horner to establish a completely new 12th team from scratch. With F1's governance allowing up to 12 teams (Cadillac joining as the 11th in 2026), there is theoretically one vacant slot. This would be the most expensive route, potentially costing hundreds of millions, but could be a financially sound long-term investment given current team valuations exceeding $1 billion. Horner's commercial acumen and contacts, honed from securing major corporate backing for Red Bull, would be crucial for this endeavor, with preliminary discussions reportedly already underway.

What's next:

Successfully establishing a new F1 team would require not only significant financial backing but also winning over rival teams, the FIA, and FOM. The rejection of Andretti's initial bid, despite financial and technical readiness, highlights the need to demonstrate "added value" to grand prix racing. Horner would likely need a manufacturer's support, a game-changing sponsor, or another compelling element to secure approval. For now, nothing is definitively decided, but Horner's conviction that he has "unfinished business" in F1 remains clear, and his next move is poised to be one of the most significant in the sport's recent history.