Christian Horner Given Two Options for Swift F1 Return After Red Bull Payout

Christian Horner has been given two options that could allow him to make a swift return to Formula 1.

Back in July, the world of F1 was shaken to its core after news emerged that Horner had been sacked by Red Bull.

At the time, the Englishman held the role of team principal and CEO, but was replaced by Laurent Mekies.

Since Mekies took over, Red Bull have enjoyed back-to-back victories in Monza and Baku in recent weeks.

In addition, Red Bull superstar Max Verstappen is now suddenly back in the race for the F1 world title on the back of recent errors from McLaren duo Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.

This week, it was reported that Horner and Red Bull have reached a settlement for the 51-year-old to leave the organisation.

As claimed by the Daily Mail, Horner will be paid a £80 million package after a compromise was reached to terminate his contract, which was said to be worth £110 million.

Over the last few weeks, Horner has been linked with the likes of Ferrari and Cadillac.

Christian Horner has left Red Bull. Image: Getty

Reacting on Sky Sports News, F1 reporter Craig Slater has outlined two potential avenues that could allow Horner to make a quick return to the paddock.

He explained: "What I do know is a lot of big commercial entities, and we’re talking about blue-chip companies, sovereign wealth funds, big venture capital groups, have already been in touch with Christian Horner.

"Groups which want to get into F1 and Horner will now assess all these options. There are two ways of getting into F1 as a stakeholder: one is by buying a team, and then this other potential option of founding what would be the 12th and final team, which the current regulations allow for within the sport.

"That is a cheaper way. Cadillac have paid maybe half a billion pounds for certification to get on board. Yes, they’ll have to build up all the infrastructure, but it’s going to cost a minimum of a billion and a half to two billion pounds to buy an existing team."

Slater continued: "Against that, there’s always talk about Alpine perhaps diluting the stake. Could he buy a chunk of that business, perhaps with some venture capitalists? Audi bought the Sauber team; might they want to hive off a share of that? There’s been talk around that as well, so let’s see."

F1 will return next weekend with the Singapore Grand Prix, which will take plac around the Marina Bay Street Circuit.