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Multiple Team Owners Reportedly Shut Down Christian Horner Talks Rumors

Originally posted on F1 on SI | By Jude Short | Last updated Oct 3, 2025 4:15 PM ET

Christian Horner's time in F1 was hectic, and while full of brilliant achievements, the 51-year-old's 20 years as Red Bull principal and CEO ended with a whimper rather than a bang following allegations of inappropriate behavior with an employee.

Red Bull officially let Horner go at the end of September 2025, with Laurent Mekies having served as the Austrian team's principal since Horner was relieved of his duties following the British Grand Prix.

A move back in to the F1 world for the Briton, potentially as a team boss or investor, has been heavily rumored over the past month, with two teams linked the most.

Horner will not sign with Haas or Aston Martin

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Haas boss Ayao Komatsu told Sky Sports that any talks between the team and Horner were now over, shutting down any possibility going forwards.

"Yeah, it is true that he approached us. Then one of our guys had an exploratory talk... and that's it. Nothing has gone any further. It is finished... I've got nothing more to say."Komatsu on Horner

While the move to Haas will reportedly not materialize, there is an opening at Aston Martin for investment in the team if Lawrence Stroll sells part of his shares.

A report from Mark Hughes of Motor Sport seems to bolster these claims of the Canadian owner talking to potential buyers, with Hughes stating that there is 'more to this story than was apparent on face value'.

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However, in relation to a move to Aston Martin, team CEO Andy Cowell has clarified that it will not be Aston Martin of which Horner will unite with:

"It looks as though Christian is ringing up pretty much every team owner at the moment... I can clearly say there are no plans for the involvement of Christian in an operational or investment role in the future."Cowell on Horner

This means that Horner must look elsewhere, and Hughes brings up a suggestion in his piece that involves starting up his own team, which would cost in the hundreds of millions.

Aston Martin will look to avoid any potential drama

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While Aston Martin cannot guarantee there will be any controversy surrounding the team going forward, it appears that they will not be looking for any investment from Horner, who has continuously been in the headlines for the past two years.

Horner was accused of inappropriate behavior at the start of the 2024 season, and while he was cleared of any wrongdoing, it caused a shockwave that led to a shakeup in the Red Bull team.

Not only has Horner himself left, but legendary mechanic Adrian Newey has departed for Aston Martin while Johnathan Wheatley took a period of gardening leave and is set to join Audi as team principal in 2026.

This article first appeared on F1 on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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