Christian Horner issues shock admission over ‘signing’ Ferrari st….read more
Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner has made a headline-grabbing revelation concerning the possible acquisition of a key Ferrari driver, adding a new twist to the ongoing narratives surrounding Formula 1’s top teams. Horner, a central figure in the paddock, hinted at Red Bull’s interest in a prominent member of Ferrari’s current driver line-up, a disclosure that has caught fans and pundits alike by surprise.
The Formula 1 season officially roared into life this past weekend with the Australian Grand Prix at Melbourne’s Albert Park Circuit, where teams and drivers faced extreme and unpredictable weather conditions. Torrential rain and sudden gusts of wind created a hazardous environment for the competitors, leading to a high attrition rate. Only 14 drivers managed to complete the race, which turned into a survival contest amid the chaos on track.
Despite the adverse circumstances, Max Verstappen, the reigning world champion and Red Bull’s leading driver, managed to secure a solid second-place finish. Verstappen, who is chasing a fourth consecutive drivers’ title this season, found himself battling against McLaren’s Lando Norris, who emerged victorious in Melbourne. Norris’s performance marks a significant milestone in his career, as he edged out Verstappen during a tense and tactical race shaped by the changing weather and multiple incidents that saw several drivers retire.
While Verstappen’s second-place finish ensured valuable championship points for Red Bull, much of the conversation following the Grand Prix shifted towards Horner’s unexpected remarks. During his post-race media obligations, Horner addressed swirling rumors about Red Bull’s interest in strengthening its driver roster. What particularly stood out was his mention of Ferrari, suggesting that Red Bull has been keeping an eye on talent from the Maranello-based squad.
Although Horner refrained from naming the specific Ferrari driver under consideration, speculation quickly intensified. Many believe that Charles Leclerc, Ferrari’s current top driver and a consistent title contender, could be on Red Bull’s radar. Leclerc, who has a contract with Ferrari until 2026, has often been linked with potential moves away from the Scuderia, especially during seasons when Ferrari struggles to match the performance of rivals like Red Bull and Mercedes.
Carlos Sainz Jr., Leclerc’s Ferrari teammate, has also been floated as a possible target, given his steady performances and history of driving for multiple F1 teams. Sainz, whose future with Ferrari remains a topic of ongoing discussions, could be seen as a valuable addition to Red Bull should they seek to shake up their driver lineup beyond Verstappen.
Horner’s comments arrive at a time when Red Bull’s second seat, currently occupied by Sergio Perez, has been under increasing scrutiny. Perez, while a capable and experienced driver, has faced inconsistency in his performances relative to Verstappen. The gap between the two Red Bull drivers has led to speculation about whether the team might look to bring in fresh talent to more effectively support Verstappen in the constructors’ championship fight.
The Red Bull team principal’s admission signals that the energy drink-backed outfit is not ruling out bold moves in the driver market. Horner emphasized that Red Bull’s priority remains securing the best possible driver pairing to ensure continued dominance in both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships. Given Ferrari’s history of producing highly skilled drivers, Red Bull’s interest in a Ferrari star is seen as a serious statement of intent.
As the season progresses, attention will now likely shift to potential contract negotiations and how Ferrari responds to Red Bull’s growing interest. Both Leclerc and Sainz have expressed long-term ambitions to win titles with Ferrari, but should Ferrari underperform relative to their rivals, the lure of Red Bull’s superior machinery and recent championship success could prove tempting.
For now, Horner’s remarks have added extra intrigue to what is already shaping up to be a fiercely competitive season. With the next round of the championship looming, the paddock will be buzzing with speculation about driver movements, particularly as teams start laying the groundwork for their 2026 line-ups amid looming regulation changes.
Ultimately, while Verstappen’s performance on the day secured Red Bull crucial points, it is Horner’s candid comments that have set tongues wagging, hinting at the possibility of a blockbuster transfer that could shake up the competitive order of Formula 1.
