Zak Brown says Christian Horner will return to F1 after Red Bull exit

McLaren CEO Zak Brown believes Christian Horner will return to Formula 1 in the future, acknowledging that "things went sideways" for the former Red Bull team principal in his final years with the team. Horner was dismissed by Red Bull after the British Grand Prix, ending a tenure that spanned over two decades and included multiple championship victories.

Why it matters:

Horner's departure marked the end of an era for one of F1's most dominant and controversial figures. His potential return would significantly impact the driver market, team dynamics, and the overall narrative of the sport, given his proven track record and polarizing persona. Brown's comments highlight the lasting influence Horner holds within the F1 paddock.

The details:

• Horner was replaced by Laurent Mekies as Red Bull's CEO and team principal in July, following a period of internal turmoil at the team.
• Despite the leadership change, Red Bull finished the season strongly, with Max Verstappen winning six of the final nine races and narrowly losing the drivers' championship to McLaren's Lando Norris.
• Horner reached a substantial financial settlement with Red Bull in September, reportedly worth $100 million, which cleared a path for a potential return to the sport as early as the 2026 season.
• Recent speculation linked Horner with a move to Aston Martin, a role that ultimately went to his former Red Bull colleague, Adrian Newey.
• Brown, who had a publicly strained relationship with Horner during their rivalry, admitted on talkSPORT that Horner is "an unbelievable team boss" and that the sport is filled with diverse characters that make it fascinating.

Looking ahead:

The focus now shifts to what form Horner's comeback might take. He is believed to be prioritizing a role that includes a shareholding or ownership stake in a team, rather than a traditional team principal position. While a seat at Aston Martin appears filled for now, the 2026 regulatory shift could open new opportunities for a figure of his experience and ambition to re-enter the F1 fray.