Ferrari Make Final Christian Horner Decision As President's Feelings Made Clear

Ferrari have made a decision on Christian Horner amid intense rumours about him taking over as their new team principal.

Horner officially departed Red Bull last month, having been relieved from his duties as team principal and chief executive after 20 years in charge.

He was understood to have taken a reduced pay-out in the region of £75 million to ensure he will be allowed to return to the sport next spring.

Considering his success at Red Bull, where he won six World Constructors' Championship titles between 2010 and 2023, and his intention to return to the paddock, his name has been bandied about in the Formula 1 circles.

Speculation over his next move has been rife, with the likes of Aston Martin, Haas and Cadillac, who will join Formula 1 in 2026 as the 11th team on the grid, linked with taking him on following his Red Bull exit.

But each team has publicly played down the possibility of hiring Horner.

Christian Horner formally left Red Bull last month after being sacked in July. Image: Getty

Horner also continues to be linked with Ferrari as president John Elkann has reportedly courted him ahead of next season despite current team principal Frederic Vasseur signing a new multi-year deal in July.

What's more, exploratory conversations between Horner and Elkann have reportedly taken place, with details of the Brit's wage demands emerging.

However, Sky Italia have dismissed speculation linking the 51-year-old with Ferrari, claiming if they had been intent on pulling off a move, they wouldn't of given Vasseur a contract renewal.

The report goes onto add that there is no evidence of any conversation between Horner and Elkann, who has given his full trust, confidence and stability to the Vasseur project, thus confirming him at the helm of Maranello.

Frederic Vasseur signed a new multi-year deal at Ferrari in July. Image: Getty

According to Sky Italia's investigations, rumours about Horner going to Ferrari are 'completely unfounded'.

Ferrari's results since Vasseur's renewal was announced have been far from satisfactory.

They have only made five appearances at the awards ceremony out of 18 races this season - all with Charles Leclerc, with Lewis Hamilton struggling following his move from Mercedes.

Vasseur will be tasked with turning around Ferrari's fortunes next season following a disappointing 2025 campaign.