Christian Horner has been frequently linked with a potential move to Ferrari following his departure from Red Bull, but former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has offered insights into why the Red Bull veteran might struggle to succeed at Maranello.
Red Bull ended its long-standing partnership with Christian Horner after more than 20 years at the helm, following a decisive split after the British Grand Prix of the 2025 Formula 1 season. Laurent Mekies was appointed as Horner’s successor, coinciding with a strong performance streak for Max Verstappen, who is now in contention for what could be an unexpected fifth Formula 1 drivers’ championship.
As Laurent Mekies takes charge, it has become evident that Horner’s strategic assessments regarding McLaren’s competitiveness were accurate, as Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris struggle to fend off Max Verstappen’s advances in the closing stages of the season. Meanwhile, Ferrari has observed this championship battle from the sidelines, with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton still seeking their first wins of the 2025 campaign.
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has faced mounting pressure throughout the season, despite recently securing a contract extension from chairman John Elkann. Amid speculation linking Horner to Ferrari, Steiner has expressed doubts over whether the 51-year-old could navigate the unique challenges of managing Formula 1’s most iconic team.
Guenther Steiner weighs in on Horner’s potential Ferrari move
During an appearance on The Red Flags Podcast, Guenther Steiner was asked about Horner’s rumored discussions with Ferrari. He explained that, while he had no direct knowledge of such negotiations, he believed that Horner would encounter the same difficulties any leader faces at Maranello.
Guenther Steiner emphasized that Ferrari operates in a high-pressure environment where immediate results are often expected, but the development cycle of their cars can take time. He noted that John Elkann appeared to understand the need for patience, which is why Fred Vasseur’s contract was extended to give him time to address technical and strategic challenges, particularly ahead of the 2026 regulation changes.
Steiner highlighted that Ferrari’s success is highly dependent on car performance. If the vehicle is competitive, the team can thrive, but if the car underperforms, even an experienced figure like Horner would face significant challenges. He concluded that, at present, neither Horner’s move to Ferrari nor Ferrari actively pursuing him seems likely, though circumstances could always change over the course of a year.
Internal dynamics at Ferrari present another hurdle
Another critical challenge for anyone stepping into Ferrari’s leadership is managing the growing on-track rivalry between Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. Leclerc currently holds a 50-point lead over Hamilton in the 2025 drivers’ championship standings, but their performances have been increasingly competitive in recent races.
During the United States Grand Prix Sprint Race, Lewis Hamilton overtook Charles Leclerc to finish fourth, while the Monegasque ultimately outperformed Hamilton in the main Grand Prix. The Monegasque driver fended off Lando Norris for over 20 laps before finishing on the podium, leaving Lewis Hamilton to settle for fourth place once again. Motorsport analysts like Martin Brundle have suggested that Ferrari may find such intra-team battles challenging to manage, particularly if both drivers begin contending for race victories consistently.
The former Haas team boss pointed out that Christian Horner’s relationships with drivers such as the Briton have historically been complex. Stepping into a team with Ferrari’s internal politics, combined with the pressures of a high-stakes championship environment, would add a layer of difficulty that even a seasoned team principal would find challenging.
Conclusion: Horner’s challenges at Ferrari would be immense
In summary, Guenther Steiner believes that while Christian Horner is a highly experienced and successful Formula 1 team principal, Ferrari presents a unique set of obstacles. From high expectations and intense media scrutiny to managing star drivers with competitive rivalries, the Maranello-based team would be a difficult environment for any newcomer. Guenther Steiner’s insights underscore why Ferrari opted to extend Fred Vasseur’s contract, prioritizing continuity and stability ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
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