McLaren CEO says he'd be shocked if Christian Horner never returns to F1

Zak Brown, McLaren’s CEO, says he’d be “shocked” if former Red Bull boss Christian Horner never returns to Formula 1. Horner’s departure after two decades has spurred rumors of a role at Alpine, while Red Bull’s race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase is set to join McLaren as chief racing officer, bolstering a team where Andrea Stella already balances three senior duties.

Why it matters:

Christian Horner’s six‑driver, eight‑constructor titles make him a rare strategic asset; his return could swing the championship balance. Alpine’s possible 24 % stake sale with Horner in the mix could reshape the French team’s leadership. Lambiase adds Red Bull race‑day expertise to McLaren, helping offset team principal Andrea Stella’s three‑role workload.

The details:

• Horner was dismissed by Red Bull in July after an internal probe cleared him; Alpine is now eyeing a 24 % stake sale with Horner among potential buyers.
• Lambiase, 45, will exit Red Bull no later than 2028 to become McLaren’s chief racing officer, reporting to team principal Andrea Stella.

What's next:

• If Horner joins Alpine, the French outfit gains a proven champion as it rebuilds its car under fresh technical direction.
• Lambiase’s move brings Red Bull race‑day know‑how to McLaren, potentially boosting performance from 2025 onward.