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How Christian Horner’s approach to F1 has shifted after Red Bull exit

Originally posted on HITC | By Shay Rogers | Last updated Dec 17, 2025 11:57 AM ET

Red Bull have moved past the Christian Horner era and seem to be in good shape heading into the 2026 Formula 1 season.

They came up just two points short of a fifth straight drivers’ championship this year but put together a solid run after Horner was dismissed in the summer.

Their results improved under Laurent Mekies, and talk about Max Verstappen’s future quieted down. They even secured him for at least another year.

Now, as F1 prepares for new regulations, Horner is looking for a way back into the sport – this time with an ownership role, which could narrow his options.

One possibility might be Alpine. There are suggestions he could take full control of the team if they’re open to selling a stake.

Ralf Schumacher believes Horner is looking to invest in Alpine, whose base in Enstone isn’t far from Red Bull’s old home in Milton Keynes.

Christian Horner has a new ‘mindset’ after being sacked by Red Bull in 2025

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Helmut Marko accused Christian Horner of using ‘dirty tricks’ during his time at Red Bull, suggesting he tried to undermine Marko’s role within the team.

The two haven’t always agreed, and there was a notable moment when Marko made the decision to demote Pierre Gasly without consulting Horner first.

While Gasly has gone on to build a respectable career, that moment is still remembered as a significant one in Red Bull’s recent history. The split between Horner and Marko wasn’t unexpected, especially given their history.

Now that he’s out of the Red Bull picture, reports suggest that Horner’s approach has shifted. Initially eager to jump back into Formula 1, he now seems more patient, willing to wait for the right situation rather than rushing into anything.

While Alpine remains the most talked-about possibility for him, there would be challenges. Working alongside Mercedes boss Toto Wolff could create an awkward dynamic from 2026 when Wolff starts supplying engines to Alpine.

How soon can Christian Horner return to F1 following his Red Bull exit?

Part of Horner’s severance package from Red Bull included a gardening leave clause, keeping him away from immediate involvement in the sport.

He’s expected to be clear to start working again by April. But where he might end up is still very much in the air.

The obvious names that can be eliminated include McLaren, Mercedes, and Red Bull. Depending on how Ferrari perform, they could be looking for a new leader.

It’s hard to imagine Ferrari offering Horner a stake in the team. Their structure doesn’t really fit that model, though it could depend on just how desperate they become to turn things around.

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

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