Riccardo Patrese rules out Christian Horner at Ferrari: “The Scuderia has a reputation to uphold”. Riccardo Patrese believes Christian Horner is unlikely to join Ferrari.

The 2025 Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps will mark the first Formula 1 race in over two decades that Red Bull Racing contests without Christian Horner as Team Principal. The Milton Keynes-based outfit has officially parted ways with its long-standing boss following a decision by Oliver Mintzlaff, triggered by a shift in the power dynamics within Red Bull’s corporate structure. That change effectively removed the internal protection Horner previously enjoyed from the Thai majority stakeholders.

As soon as Christian Horner became unexpectedly available on the market, speculation began to swirl around the possibility of Ferrari considering him for a senior leadership role. Such a scenario was quickly dismissed by sources close to Maranello, especially considering that, in the past, Ferrari Chairman John Elkann had personally travelled to the United Kingdom to present an offer to Horner — an offer that was ultimately turned down.

Former Formula 1 driver Riccardo Patrese has shared his perspective on the situation, explaining that the scandal involving Christian Horner and the subsequent dismissal of a female staff member represents a stain on his record that is incompatible with Ferrari’s brand and institutional values — regardless of how the case is ultimately resolved in the 2026 court proceedings.

“I’m a friend of Christian Horner and I sent him a message of support,” said Riccardo Patrese in an interview with Prime Casino. “I believe he is a brilliant Team Principal — the results he has achieved over the past twenty years are evidence of that. His credentials and track record are exceptional.”

However, Patrese also underlined that Ferrari is a team with a carefully maintained public image. “Ferrari has a legacy to protect and does not want to be involved in situations that could cause distractions within the team. A full year has passed, and yet the issue involving Horner is still being discussed in the media. That says a lot.”

Patrese also spoke about Ferrari’s current team boss, Frédéric Vasseur, suggesting that the atmosphere around him appears to be improving. “The storm seems to have passed. There is a more positive environment surrounding Vasseur now,” Riccardo Patrese concluded.