Christian Horner Handed Major Boost to F1 Return Hopes As New Info Emerges

Christian Horner could be poised for a dramatic return to Formula 1, just months after leaving Red Bull following more than two decades with the team.

Although Horner was sacked as Red Bull team principal in July, he did not formally depart until September, reportedly walking away with a £52 million pay-off.

The Briton led the team for more than 20 years, during which time Red Bull won six Constructors' Championships and eight Drivers' titles.

However, the final 18 months of his Red Bull reign were marred by controversy.

A female employee accused Horner of sexual harassment and although he was cleared by two separate internal investigations, it led to disputes within the team.

After a disappointing start to the season, he was sacked as team principal.

Since leaving Formula 1, speculation has frequently linked Horner with a return to the sport, with Ferrari and Cadillac among the teams mentioned.

Christian Horner at Red Bull (Image: Getty)

Now, Aston Martin have emerged as a potential destination.

Over the weekend, the BBC reported that Aston Martin's current CEO and team principal, Andy Cowell, is on the verge of losing his job after just over a year in charge.

While no final decision has been reached, Cowell appears set to step down following a reported disagreement with the team's managing technical partner, Adrian Newey.

Although no replacement has been confirmed, Horner is understood to be one of the options.

Horner worked with Newey from 2006 until 2024 at Red Bull.

The duo were central to the team's rise, helping establish Red Bull as one of the dominant forces in Formula 1.

While there was speculation that Newey's departure from Red Bull was linked to a disagreement with Horner, ESPN reports the pair would have no issue working together again.

Adrian Newey and Christian Horner (Image: Getty)

The more likely obstacle to Horner joining Aston Martin relates to team owner Lawrence Stroll's ambition to sign Max Verstappen.

Horner and Verstappen's father Jos have a tense relationship, with Jos publicly calling for Horner's departure during his time at Red Bull.

Although Verstappen is contracted to Red Bull until the end of 2028, he was linked with a move away earlier this year.

Since the summer break, the Dutchman's results have improved, and he is now just 24 points behind world championship leader Lando Norris as he pursues a record-equalling fifth consecutive world title.

With a maximum of 58 points available across the two remaining race weekends, Verstappen's world championship hopes remain alive.

Looking ahead, Formula 1 is set to introduce its most significant regulation changes in several years for 2026.

That is expected to lead to a major shake-up of the grid, with Mercedes widely regarded to be in the strongest position for next year.

Although it remains to be seen how quick Red Bull and Aston Martin will be next season, any changes could have a significant impact on Verstappen's future.