F1 Pundit Snubs Ferrari to Name Christian Horner’s Next Destination After Red Bull Axe

Former F1 driver Karun Chandhok insisted that Christian Horner had a more realistic option than Ferrari following his exit from Red Bull.

F1 Pundit Snubs Ferrari to Name Christian Horner’s Next Destination After Red Bull Axe

Christian Horner (via AP) and Lewis Hamilton (via Newsweek)

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Christian Horner‘s exit from Red Bull Racing has sent shockwaves across the F1 paddock. The Briton was effectively sacked from his role after spending two decades at Milton Keynes. While Red Bull has already started its new era with Laurent Mekies assuming the role of team principal and CEO, there is uncertainty over the 51-year-old’s future. There were previously rumors over Ferrari being interested in Horner. However, former Red Bull driver Karun Chandhok reckons that there is a more realistic option.

Scuderia Ferrari has had eyes on Christian Horner for a few years now. The Italian team contacted the 51-year-old a few years ago to replace Mattia Binotto. However, talks did not succeed, with Fred Vasseur replacing the Italian team boss instead. Recently, rumors have emerged that Maranello is unhappy with Vasseur’s leadership and could be looking to replace the Frenchman. After being released from Red Bull, Horner would undoubtedly be the number 1 name in such a scenario.

Karun Chandhok disagrees with such a possibility. The Indian driver insisted that if Adrian Newey was still available, the Scuderia could’ve looked at bringing both Horner and Newey to the team. Chandhok reckoned that Alpine seems to be the likely option for Christian Horner as Ferrari is likely to continue its own long-term plan for now.

I do think a combination of Christian and Newey to Ferrari was a much more attractive package for Ferrari. To me, I could see him landing at Alpine more than I can see him landing at Ferrari now. I think Ferrari are going to try and build their own thing.

Karun Chandhok said on Sky’s The F1 Show

Chandhok even joked that Alpine would be the better outfit when it comes to office commute for Christian Horner. Instead of having to move to Italy for Ferrari, the 51-year-old would be able to stay in Britain with the team being based in Enstone.

The commute to Enstone is pretty much going to be the same as the commute to Milton Keynes.

Karun Chandhok added

Alpine is another team that has gone through a state of turmoil recently. The Renault works team has changed leadership multiple times in the past few years. Currently, Flavio Briatore is assuming the responsibilities of team principal as a stop-gap measure after Oliver Oakes left the squad.

The French team currently sits at the bottom of the standings. Christian Horner’s arrival could provide Enstone some much-needed direction ahead of the 2026 regulation changes. Alpine will also be ditching its own power units next season in a bid to cut costs.

‘Wheels and cogs’ turning at Alpine for Christian Horner

Alpine is in dire need of a new vision. Flavio Briatore’s arrival last year has not helped matters for the team. The French squad’s future can soon become uncertain with Luca De Meo leaving his role as the head of the Renault Group.

Flavio Briatore and Christian Horner
Flavio Briatore and Christian Horner (via Getty images)

Karun Chandhok pointed out that Briatore has no real interest in becoming the full-time team principal. Steve Nielsen is handling a lot of the day-to-day responsibilities as Managing Director. However, Chandhok was confident that things would be going on behind-the-scenes to ensure that Christian Horner could get a role at Enstone.

Flavio doesn’t want to be team principal. He’s got Steve Nielsen there as the MD. But I can imagine there’s a few wheels and cogs being turned in the backgrounds, for Christian to at least have a role there.

Karun Chandhok stated

The Indian driver pointed out that the former Red Bull team boss continues to have a strong connection with former F1 Supremo Bernie Ecclestone. Ecclestone and Briatore are known to be close, potentially paving the way for Christian Horner’s entry.

And of course, he and Flavio, both very old friends of Bernie Ecclestone. Bernie brought Christian to F1 when Red Bull bought the team. He was instrumental in Christian getting that job, back in 2005.

Karun Chandhok added

While Christian Horner taking charge of Alpine sounds good on paper, things might not be so easy. The 51-year-old is used to having near-complete control of racing operations at Milton Keynes. This would likely not be possible with Flavio Briatore’s power center at the French team. Horner would certainly want to avoid another awkward leadership arrangement after spending two decades managing a fine balance with Dr. Helmut Marko at Red Bull.

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