Christian Horner back on Ferrari’s radar after Red Bull exit, with potential impact on Hamilton and Leclerc
Ferrari recently extended a new contract to team principal Fred Vasseur, aiming to stabilize leadership at Maranello. However, Christian Horner’s departure from Red Bull has reportedly placed the British F1 veteran firmly back on Ferrari’s radar. Sources suggest that Ferrari chairman John Elkann is once again evaluating leadership options amid another disappointing season.
Fred Vasseur signed the new deal in July, which Ferrari had hoped would quell speculation about his long-term role. Yet the Scuderia has endured a difficult 2025 campaign, leaving the Frenchman’s position under scrutiny once more. Ferrari remains the only team among F1’s top four yet to claim a Grand Prix victory after 18 of the season’s 24 rounds. The Maranello outfit trails Mercedes by 27 points in the battle for second place in the constructors’ championship, while McLaren has already secured a commanding lead with 352 more points than Ferrari.
In the drivers’ standings, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton occupy only fifth and sixth positions, further intensifying concerns at Ferrari. Sources suggest that John Elkann is considering replacing Fred Vasseur, and the idea of recruiting Christian Horner has resurfaced following his Red Bull exit after two decades at the helm.
Horner’s potential move to Ferrari and Max Verstappen
Horner officially left Red Bull in September after agreeing to a reduced severance package to end his gardening leave early. Reports indicate that he accepted an £80 million payout, despite a contract through 2030 that could have earned him £110 million, in order to position himself to take over another Formula 1 team in April 2026. Ferrari is now reportedly courting Horner, hoping that the former Red Bull team principal can revitalize the struggling team and return the championship to Maranello.
Insiders suggest that if Horner joins Ferrari, he would immediately aim to bring Max Verstappen to the Italian team. Such a move could cast uncertainty over the futures of both Hamilton and Leclerc. The Briton’s contract at Ferrari expires at the end of 2026, and Horner has previously rejected opportunities to sign the seven-time world champion. Historical reports note that Hamilton’s father, Anthony, approached Horner before Lewis’ F1 debut to discuss a potential move from McLaren to Red Bull, which Horner declined, and Lewis himself was also reportedly turned down in 2011 after the Canadian Grand Prix.
Max Verstappen’s potential role in Horner’s Ferrari plans
The reaction of Max Verstappen to Horner potentially reuniting with him at Ferrari remains uncertain. Rumors suggest the Dutch driver may have influenced Red Bull’s decision to part ways with Horner, which adds an intriguing layer to any prospective move. Sources indicate Ferrari could be concerned that hiring Horner might complicate efforts to secure Verstappen, yet insiders also claim that Horner would be motivated to at least explore the possibility of convincing the four-time defending world champion to activate his release clause at the end of 2026.
Max Verstappen’s contract includes a release clause that allows him to leave Red Bull if he is outside the top two in the drivers’ standings at the summer break, providing a potential path for Christian Horner to facilitate a transfer. Such a scenario could enable Ferrari to consider replacing either Hamilton or Leclerc, depending on team strategy and the competitive package offered in 2026.
Ultimately, Ferrari’s leadership decisions over the next year could significantly reshape the team’s driver lineup and competitive prospects. With Horner available and Max Verstappen potentially open to a move, the 2026 season could see major shifts at Maranello, affecting both team dynamics and the championship battle.
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