Racing Icon Pinpoints ‘Only Thing’ That Can Stop Christian Horner from F1 Return

Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya exposed the one condition that might stop Christian Horner's comeback.

Racing Icon Pinpoints ‘Only Thing’ That Can Stop Christian Horner from F1 Return

Christian Horner (via Reuters)

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Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner was forced to vacate his role just days after the British GP. The Briton had led Milton Keynes since the team’s first season in 2005. Over the years, Horner brought unprecedented success to the energy drinks giant. However, a power struggle ended up in his exit. Now, former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has pointed out the one thing that might stop Horner from returning to the pinnacle of motorsport.

The 51-year-old laid down the foundation at Milton Keynes two decades ago. Since then, Red Bull transformed from just another team on the grid to one of the most successful outfits in history.

However, since last season, Christian Horner was on thin ice. After last year’s off-track controversies, Red Bull was keen on showing him the door. Tensions even escalated with Max Verstappen‘s camp reportedly wanting to see Horner gone before the end of the year. Now, the Briton is no longer employed by the energy drinks giant.

Juan Pablo Montoya reckoned that Christian Horner would seize any opportunity to make a comeback to the grid. Albeit, it’s unclear whether the 51-year-old actually wants to return as a team principal in F1. Montoya pointed out that Horner would’ve received a massive payout from Red Bull to end his services mid-season, this would negate any need for the Briton to work just to be financially stable.

If Christian has the chance, he’ll come back. Whether he wants to or not, we don’t know. With everything that happened and the payout Red Bull must have given him, he’s financially set.

Juan Pablo Montoya said on MontoyAS

Additionally, the Columbian driver wondered whether Red Bull imposed any conditions in the deal that could stop Christian Horner from working in the sport again. He reckoned that this would be the only thing stopping the former Red Bull boss from being in the paddock.

Maybe part of the deal was that he can’t work in F1 again? That’s the only thing that would stop him.

Juan Pablo Montoya added

Juan Pablo Montoya picks Christian Horner’s next destination

There has been some chatter over Christian Horner’s potential return to the grid. A handful of pundits already expect Horner to be in talks with a couple of teams for such a scenario. However, the 51-year-old has remained away from the media ever since his Red Bull exit and is yet to comment on such speculation.

Christian Horner and Max Verstappen
Christian Horner and Max Verstappen (via Total Motorsport)

Juan Pablo Montoya insisted that if he was at a team like Aston Martin, Cadillac, Alpine, or Haas, he would not shy away from signing Christian Horner. The four teams mentioned by Montoya all lack a strong figure like Horner, except Haas which has done well under Ayao Komatsu. While Alpine is being tipped as the most likely destination for the former Red Bull boss.

But if I were running a team like Aston Martin, Cadillac, Alpine, Haas, I’d hire him in two seconds.

Juan Pablo Montoya stated

Certainly, fans would love to see Christian Horner back on the grid. The Briton knows exactly how to turn a midfield team into a frontrunner, such expertise could come handy for several teams. Although, Horner’s arrival would create a big on and off-track rivalry with his old team.

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