Christian Horner Reportedly in Talks with Ferrari to Become Lewis Hamilton’s New Team Principal
In a surprising turn of events, former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner is reportedly in discussions to join Ferrari, potentially taking over as Lewis Hamilton’s new boss ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season. According to reports from Mail Sport, the Italian team has initiated talks with Horner, who has been out of a job since his dismissal from Red Bull in July.
Horner, who served as Red Bull’s team principal for two decades, was a defining figure in the team’s rise to dominance. Under his leadership, Red Bull secured six Constructors’ Championships and eight Drivers’ titles—four each with Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen. His management style, strategic brilliance, and ability to build a championship-winning culture earned him widespread respect in the F1 paddock. However, his tenure came to an abrupt end earlier this year following an internal controversy.
The 51-year-old was suspended and investigated by Red Bull over allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” made by a colleague. Although he was eventually cleared of any wrongdoing, the saga created significant internal tension within the team. The fallout reportedly contributed to his eventual exit, as Red Bull sought a fresh start amid ongoing scrutiny.
Since Horner’s departure, Red Bull appointed Laurent Mekies—formerly of AlphaTauri—as his replacement. Under Mekies’ leadership, the team has remained competitive, securing two race victories thanks to Max Verstappen’s impressive performances. Despite their off-track turbulence, Red Bull currently sits just eight points behind Ferrari in the Constructors’ Championship standings.
Ferrari’s interest in Horner appears to be part of a wider strategic shake-up as the Maranello-based team looks to strengthen its leadership structure ahead of the major regulation changes coming in 2026. Fred Vasseur, the current team principal, has overseen steady progress since taking charge, but Ferrari’s top management is reportedly seeking a figure with a proven record of winning world titles.
Bringing Horner onboard would represent a bold move for Ferrari—especially as the team prepares to enter a new era with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton joining in 2025. The combination of Hamilton’s driving expertise and Horner’s tactical leadership could make Ferrari a formidable force once again, potentially ending their long championship drought that dates back to 2008.
According to Mail Sport, Ferrari has been “wooing” Horner with an attractive offer, emphasizing the opportunity to work alongside Hamilton and shape the team’s direction in the new power unit era. It’s also reported that Horner has negotiated a reduction in his gardening leave clause with Red Bull, which would allow him to assume a new role as early as April 2026.
If the talks lead to an agreement, Horner’s move to Ferrari would mark one of the most dramatic managerial shifts in recent F1 history. It would also reunite two of the sport’s biggest personalities—Horner and Hamilton—who have often been on opposite sides of fierce rivalries during their Red Bull and Mercedes days.
While nothing has been confirmed yet, the prospect of Horner leading Ferrari into the next generation of Formula 1 has already sent shockwaves through the paddock, setting the stage for another major shake-up in the sport’s hierarchy.
