Christian Horner backed for a new F1 role with ‘only thing missing’ from the Red Bull position. The Formula 1 paddock is rarely short of speculation, and Christian Horner’s future remains one of its most intriguing topics. After a two-decade reign as Red Bull’s team principal, the 51-year-old departed last month, leaving behind a legacy few can rival. Now, former Red Bull driver Robert Doornbos has voiced strong support for Horner to return to the sport — but with a twist that could see him in a very different position than before.
Key Highlights
- Robert Doornbos backs Christian Horner to return to Formula 1 in a leadership role.
- Horner recently ended his 20-year tenure as Red Bull team principal.
- Doornbos suggests Horner could seek a shareholder role similar to Toto Wolff’s at Mercedes.
- Alpine identified as a potential team for such a move.
- Horner’s age and experience seen as key assets for a comeback.
Horner’s Departure and Reputation
Christian Horner’s departure from Red Bull last month marked the end of an era. Under his guidance, the team rose from midfield obscurity to one of the most dominant forces in Formula 1 history. Known for combining sharp leadership with strategic thinking, Horner’s track record includes multiple Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships, as well as a lasting impact on the sport’s commercial and marketing landscape. At just 51 years old, Doornbos argues that Horner has both the time and the experience to make a significant return to the paddock.
“Let’s not forget, he’s incredibly young. He already has 20 years of experience, but he’s still only 51. 20 years of experience as an F1 team principal and CEO of one of the world’s largest brands, in both automotive and marketing – his successes speak for themselves.” – Robert Doornbos
The Missing Piece in Horner’s Career
While Horner’s achievements at Red Bull are undeniable, Doornbos believes there is one milestone he has yet to reach: team ownership. Drawing comparisons to Toto Wolff at Mercedes and Lawrence Stroll at Aston Martin, the Dutchman sees this as a natural progression for someone of Horner’s calibre.
“That was the only thing missing. What Lawrence Stroll [at Aston Martin] or Toto Wolff have. You simply want to be a shareholder.” – Robert Doornbos
Such a role would not only give Horner day-to-day control but also a long-term stake in a team’s future, offering a deeper investment in its success.
Alpine as a Potential Destination
Doornbos singled out one team that could provide Horner with the right opportunity — Alpine. The French outfit has faced challenges in recent years, struggling to maintain consistent performance and leadership stability. Doornbos suggests that if the team reaches a critical juncture, Horner could step in with a vision for transformation.
“Only Alpine, if I go down the list. That would be a team that, at some point, is in such dire straits and says, ‘We’re at a loss’. Flavio [Briatore] isn’t going to do it forever. Christian [could] say, ‘I like a project like that, I’ll take it on, and I want shares, then we’ll make it a huge success again’. There are also bright minds there who have been successful in the past.” – Robert Doornbos
The combination of Horner’s leadership experience and Alpine’s infrastructure could, in theory, be the foundation for a revival similar to Red Bull’s meteoric rise.
News in Brief: Christian Horner future in Formula 1 after Red Bull exit
Christian Horner, former Red Bull team principal, is being backed by Robert Doornbos for a return to Formula 1 in a shareholder-leadership role. After departing Red Bull following a 20-year tenure, Horner is seen as an ideal candidate to follow a path similar to Toto Wolff, combining ownership with daily team management. Doornbos believes Alpine could be the most likely team to offer such an opportunity, should they seek a transformative leader. Fans and pundits alike will watch closely to see if Horner’s next chapter matches his Red Bull legacy.
