Horner clarifies Ferrari remark: F1 return would require ownership

Christian Horner says his description of Ferrari as a “dream job” was taken out of context, and that he was not seeking a conventional role at Maranello. Speaking to The Guardian, the former Red Bull boss said he would return only for the right opportunity, with ownership attached and like-minded people who want to win.

Horner also praised Fred Vasseur as experienced and said he had done a decent job. He said Ferrari would not sell shares. Ferrari’s racing operation is an internal division of Ferrari N.V., not a separate sellable franchise; outside parties cannot buy equity in the Scuderia alone.

Horner left Red Bull in 2025 under a severance agreement. Its terms are understood to have reduced his overall payout in exchange for a shorter non-compete period, clearing the way for him to explore F1 opportunities from early 2026. He said he had accumulated capital for his next move, but that returning was not a prerequisite: he is willing to wait outside the sport for opportunities over the coming months or years.