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Ferrari reportedly targeting Christian Horner as Fred Vasseur’s job comes under threat
Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images

Christian Horner’s résumé stands out, especially for F1 teams dealing with setbacks. Still, most are putting on a confident face.

McLaren have just wrapped up their second straight constructors’ title, and Mercedes are generating buzz over their new engine ahead of the 2026 regulation changes.

Williams are having their best campaign since 2016 and believe they can challenge for wins under the upcoming rules. Aston Martin have slipped a bit in the standings but are relying on Adrian Newey’s engineering group to get them back into contention soon.

Sauber’s leap from four points last season to 55 this year has given the team a real lift ahead of Audi’s arrival. Meanwhile, Haas remain near the bottom, but Ayao Komatsu says discussions with Horner have wrapped up.

Christian Horner linked with Ferrari as pressure grows on Fred Vasseur

The mood is even gloomier at Alpine and Ferrari. Alpine sit bottom of the standings with just 20 points, their last one coming before the summer break.

It’s a new low for a team that has consistently underperformed, but Alpine have given Flavio Briatore another year to prove himself before they consider making a move for Horner.


Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP via Getty Images

Ferrari are also struggling, at risk of dropping to fourth in the constructors’ standings and heading towards a winless season. Fred Vasseur was brought in to deliver titles, but the team have fallen short across the board.

Back in July, Elkann gave Vasseur a contract extension while Horner was still available. But according to F1-Insider’s Ralf Bach, he has now changed his mind on keeping him in charge.

Even though Max Verstappen’s camp isn’t keen on reuniting with Horner, Elkann seems set on pursuing the former Red Bull boss.

Bach explained: “Despite the contract extension, Ferrari apparently wants to get rid of Vasseur, and John Elkann is apparently really focused on securing Christian Horner’s place.”

Fred Vasseur’s exit could push Lewis Hamilton away from Ferrari

Elkann met with CEO Benedetto Vigna at the team’s headquarters after what he called an ‘unacceptable’ result in Singapore. Ferrari haven’t made it onto the podium in their last five races.

Vasseur is contracted through 2027, but if Ferrari don’t start showing improvement under the new regulations, his position will be under serious threat.

READ MORE: Red Bull upgrades fuel doubts over Max Verstappen’s 2026 title hopes

Will Buxton has previously suggested that Lewis Hamilton would leave Ferrari if they signed Christian Horner, such is his loyalty to Vasseur. That’s just one of the repercussions this seismic decision could have.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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