Christian Horner may be back in Ferrari’s thinking as speculation grows around Fred Vasseur’s future, but one fundamental issue could make a move to Maranello difficult: the level of authority the former Red Bull team principal would expect to have.
Reports suggest Ferrari are considering changes at the top after another season in which their Formula 1 title ambitions have faded. Vasseur has led the Scuderia since December 2022, yet the team remains without a drivers’ championship since Kimi Raikkonen’s 2007 triumph, while Mercedes have continued to extend their advantage over Ferrari in both 2026 championships.
Christian Horner could face a Ferrari control problem
Ferrari are reportedly considering replacing Fred Vasseur at the end of 2026 rather than keeping him in charge through the 2027 season covered by his current contract. Antonello Coletta, who oversees Ferrari’s World Endurance Championship operation, and deputy Formula 1 team principal Jerome d’Ambrosio have both been mentioned as possible successors.
Christian Horner has also returned to the discussion. His willingness to join Ferrari without requiring an equity stake has reportedly made him a more realistic candidate, with the former Red Bull boss having already left the door open to a potential Ferrari move.
However, giving up on ownership ambitions would not necessarily resolve the biggest structural issue. According to BBC Sport, Horner has consistently made clear over the years that he believes a successful Formula 1 team should have one individual with overall control.
That approach appears difficult to reconcile with Ferrari’s leadership structure. Chairman John Elkann and CEO Benedetto Vigna are considered highly unlikely to hand a team principal overriding authority, with both executives expected to retain greater power within the organisation. As a result, the prospect of Ferrari removing senior management influence simply to accommodate Horner is regarded as difficult to envisage.
John Elkann and Benedetto Vigna unlikely to surrender authority
The issue goes beyond job titles. Horner spent two decades leading Red Bull and became accustomed to operating with substantial influence over the Formula 1 organisation. Ferrari, by contrast, operates within a wider corporate hierarchy in which John Elkann and Benedetto Vigna remain above the team principal.
That difference could become central if Ferrari seriously pursues Horner. Even if the Briton is prepared to abandon the idea of holding shares, the question would remain whether the authority available in Maranello would match the management model he considers necessary for success.
The discussion comes as pressure continues to build around Ferrari’s current direction. Lewis Hamilton has already acknowledged how Ferrari’s 2026 championship prospects have deteriorated, increasing attention on what the team may change before the next campaign.
Lewis Hamilton could be another obstacle to Christian Horner
Lewis Hamilton could create a further complication. BBC Sport notes that the seven-time Formula 1 world champion has made his lack of enthusiasm for Horner clear in recent years, raising another potential issue if Ferrari decides to explore appointing the former Red Bull chief.
It was also claimed during the previous period of uncertainty around Vasseur’s future that Hamilton could consider leaving Ferrari if Horner were appointed. Vasseur had been due to reach the end of his previous deal after the 2025 season, but Ferrari instead renewed his contract even though Horner had become available.
Red Bull dismissed Horner in July 2025 before his departure was finalised in September following 20 years in charge. He was subsequently placed on gardening leave through May 2026.
Ferrari are now being linked with him again as doubts return over Vasseur’s position. Yet the path to Maranello remains complicated. John Elkann and Benedetto Vigna are unlikely to surrender the authority Horner is reported to favour, while Lewis Hamilton’s position could add another sensitive element to any negotiations. With Ferrari still searching for a route back to championship success, the structure surrounding its next team principal could prove just as important as the identity of the person holding the role.
