Christian Horner Reportedly in Talks with Ferrari to Become Lewis Hamilton’s New Team Principal
In a stunning twist, former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner is said to be in advanced discussions with Ferrari about taking over as Lewis Hamilton’s new boss ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season. Reports from Mail Sport indicate that the Maranello outfit has initiated contact with Horner, who has remained out of work since his controversial exit from Red Bull in July.
Horner, who guided Red Bull for nearly 20 years, played a crucial role in transforming the team into an F1 powerhouse. Under his direction, Red Bull captured six Constructors’ Championships and eight Drivers’ titles—four each with Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen. His leadership, strategic sharpness, and knack for fostering a winning environment made him one of the sport’s most respected figures. However, his long reign ended abruptly earlier this year following an internal controversy that shook the team.
The 51-year-old Briton was suspended and investigated by Red Bull over allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” from a team member. Although he was later cleared, the incident left behind tension within the organisation. Sources suggest that the lingering fallout and desire for a clean slate led to his eventual departure.
Following Horner’s exit, Red Bull appointed Laurent Mekies, formerly of AlphaTauri, as his successor. Despite the leadership shuffle, the team has remained a front-runner, with Max Verstappen delivering two race victories this season. Red Bull now trails Ferrari by just eight points in the Constructors’ standings, highlighting the intensity of their rivalry.
Ferrari’s pursuit of Horner reportedly forms part of a larger leadership overhaul as they prepare for the major regulation changes coming in 2026. Although current team principal Fred Vasseur has overseen solid progress, Ferrari’s top management is believed to be seeking a proven winner capable of restoring the team’s championship pedigree.
Securing Horner’s services would be a bold move for Ferrari, particularly as they prepare to welcome seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton in 2025. Many believe that pairing Hamilton’s experience with Horner’s tactical genius could reignite Ferrari’s dominance and end their title drought that has lasted since 2008.
Mail Sport further claims Ferrari has offered Horner an enticing deal, highlighting the chance to work with Hamilton and shape the team’s long-term vision in the new power unit era. It’s also understood that Horner has successfully negotiated a shorter gardening leave clause from Red Bull, allowing him to take up a new position as soon as April 2026.
Should these negotiations succeed, Horner’s arrival at Ferrari would mark one of the most significant managerial moves in modern F1 history—uniting two giants who once stood as fierce rivals during the Red Bull–Mercedes battles. While nothing is confirmed, the mere possibility of Horner leading Ferrari has already sent ripples through the paddock, signalling yet another potential power shift in Formula 1’s ever-evolving landscape.
