The name of Christian Horner is once again being linked with Ferrari, reigniting speculation in the Formula 1 paddock. According to former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya, the Scuderia should seriously consider bringing the experienced British team principal on board to turn the team’s fortunes around.
After months of silence, Horner’s name has returned to the spotlight in connection with Ferrari. The 52-year-old Briton, who has been out of Formula 1 for almost a year, has never hidden his desire to return to the sport. Quite the opposite, in fact. Following the first rumours that placed him close to Ferrari, further reports suggested that the former Red Bull team principal was interested in buying a stake in Alpine, potentially with the backing of Flavio Briatore.
In recent months, however, those rumours have gradually cooled, with the British engineer taking time to carefully evaluate his next move. At one stage, Ferrari appeared to be the most advanced option regarding a possible appointment, but the Maranello-based team ultimately chose to continue with Frederic Vasseur’s project in the name of stability and continuity. Despite that decision, speculation has never fully disappeared. And now, a former Formula 1 driver believes Ferrari should once again consider the Christian Horner option.
What Ferrari need to rebuild
Speaking to Vision4Sport, Juan Pablo Montoya stated that hiring Christian Horner would be a logical step if Ferrari truly want to rebuild. “Honestly, yes, Horner would be a great help,” said the Colombian.
Juan Pablo Montoya also made it clear that patience would be essential before seeing tangible results. “But Ferrari should understand that if they signed him, they would face two very bad years before seeing the first results. It would be at least a four-year project, so they would need to be patient.”
When discussing the importance of continuity and long-term rebuilding, Montoya pointed to two British teams as examples to follow. “There needs to be solidarity while the team rebuilds. Everyone has to realise that you move together towards an important goal. You can’t allow people to talk nonsense. The media love it when these things happen. They have to stay united. That’s where Mercedes and McLaren do a great job, staying together, keeping quiet and supporting their drivers.”
Christian Horner’s name continues to circulate around Ferrari, and much will depend on the opening rounds of the 2026 Formula 1 season, which is set to begin shortly. If Vasseur fails to deliver strong results, the Maranello team could start seriously considering a leadership change — with the British manager once again emerging as a potential candidate to guide Ferrari into a new era.
The resurfacing of Christian Horner’s name therefore underscores the relentless pressure inherent in leading Ferrari. While Fred Vasseur currently holds the reins, Juan Pablo Montoya’s comments highlight a persistent belief that a systemic, long-term cultural shift—perhaps led by an outsider with Horner’s pedigree—is the only way to replicate the stability seen at Mercedes or McLaren. If the SF-26 does not hit the ground running at Albert Park, these whispers of a managerial overhaul will only grow louder, turning a theoretical four-year project into a very real debate for the Scuderia’s future.
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