Christian Horner announces he is back in F1 business As he joins M…read more
Christian Horner has signalled a high-profile return to the Formula 1 spotlight ahead of the sport’s 2026 season, announcing a public Australian tour that coincides with the opening race of the new campaign in Melbourne.
After largely retreating from public view following his departure from Red Bull Racing last summer, the former team principal is preparing to reintroduce himself to fans through a series of live events titled “A Special Evening with Christian Horner: Life in Formula 1 and Beyond.” The tour marks Horner’s most visible engagement with the F1 world since his exit and comes amid growing speculation about a potential comeback to the paddock.
Horner, now 52, confirmed the tour via his Instagram story, sharing promotional material inviting fans to attend what is being billed as an in-depth look at his career, experiences, and life beyond Formula 1. The events will be staged in three major Australian cities, beginning at Hamer Hall in Melbourne on February 24, followed by the TikTok Entertainment Centre in Sydney on February 26, before concluding at the Riverside Theatre in Perth on March 2.
Notably, the Perth appearance falls just days before the 2026 Australian Grand Prix, scheduled for March 6–8, which will serve as the season-opening race under the sport’s new technical regulations. The timing has fuelled intrigue, with many viewing the tour as more than a simple fan engagement exercise.
According to event organisers, Horner will take part in a live, on-stage interview format, discussing his journey through Formula 1, key moments from his career, and his perspective on the sport’s future. Each evening will also feature an interactive question-and-answer session, giving fans the opportunity to engage directly with one of F1’s most recognisable figures of the modern era.
Ticket prices vary depending on location and package, with Melbourne prices ranging from 129 to 399 Australian dollars. Standard admission is available at the lower end of the scale, while premium VIP packages are offered for fans seeking a more exclusive experience. The VIP option includes a meet-and-greet with Horner, a professionally taken photograph, a specially designed souvenir laminate with a branded lanyard, priority venue access, and dedicated staff support throughout the event.
Horner’s re-emergence comes at a time when speculation about his future role in Formula 1 is intensifying. The off-season has been dominated by rumours suggesting that the former Red Bull boss could return to the grid in some capacity, with Alpine emerging as a key talking point.
Reports have indicated that Horner has been in discussions related to a possible investment in Alpine, specifically concerning the 24 per cent stake held by Otro Capital. That consortium is known for its high-profile backers, including Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds, and any change in ownership would represent a significant shift in the team’s structure.
Alpine executive advisor Flavio Briatore confirmed that Horner has been involved in talks, although he was keen to downplay his own role in the discussions. Speaking during Alpine’s 2026 car launch, Briatore explained that any potential deal would first require the purchase of Otro Capital’s stake, followed by approval from Renault. He stressed that negotiations were taking place between Horner and Otro Capital directly, rather than with the team’s senior management.
“I’ve known Christian for many years and we speak regularly,” Briatore said. “But this has nothing to do with me. First you need to buy Otro, then Renault needs to accept the buyer, and after that we see what happens.”
Further fuel was added to the speculation by former F1 driver and current pundit Ralf Schumacher. Appearing on Sky Sports Germany’s Backstage Boxengasse podcast, Schumacher suggested that a decision regarding Horner’s involvement may already have been made, though he indicated that any formal move would not be confirmed until at least the middle or latter part of next year.
While Horner has remained publicly tight-lipped about his long-term plans, his decision to step back into the spotlight with an international tour suggests that his chapter in Formula 1 may be far from over. Whether the Australian appearances are simply a retrospective celebration of a glittering career, or a prelude to a return to the sport in 2026, remains one of the most intriguing storylines heading into the new F1 era.
