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Christian Horner could potentially make his first appearance inside the F1 paddock at the upcoming British Grand Prix since being sacked by Red Bull last year, according to reports from the Netherlands.
The 52-year-old was given his marching orders just days after last year’s British Grand Prix, after a long-running power struggle at Red Bull as well as a poor start to the 2025 term for the Austrian constructor.
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While he has been linked with a return to the sport through several different routes, Horner has not made many public appearances since, with a visit to MotoGP’s Spanish Grand Prix at the end of April being the first time he has been spotted at a motorsport event.
However, a long-awaited return to the F1 paddock may now be on the cards, with it emerging that the former Red Bull boss has been invited to attend the upcoming British Grand Prix at the invitation of “lots of other parties” within the sport.
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In the latest episode of De Telegraaf’s Formula 1 podcast, journalist Erik van Haren and pundit Christijan Albers were discussing the changes they have seen at Red Bull since Laurent Mekies took the reins in Milton Keynes after Horner’s sacking last year.
“He’s really in his element,” Albers began. “I also like the way he handles everything, and that’s not just because I know him very well, but I simply find him a pleasant person. He’s kind. He’s polite. He also takes things on board when you say something to him.
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“He’s the perfect candidate, and he knows what he’s talking about, even on the technical side. They can’t pull the wool over his eyes. That was, of course, quite different from Christian Horner. He’d have to ask all the designers: ‘What’s the problem here?’
“Then he’d turn up, and the PR machine would kick into gear, and then he’d go off on his little spiel. With Laurent, it’s just different. He really does know what he’s talking about, and that does make things a lot easier.”
Van Haren then revealed that Horner has been “invited” to attend this year’s edition of the British Grand Prix, replying to his co-host with, ” The team has also become a bit less British-oriented. Far fewer British journalists turn up now.
“I also think the team is more open than it used to be. You feel more welcome. So that paranoid atmosphere that used to be there has now gone. We’re heading to Silverstone now; a year ago was Christian Horner’s last race at Silverstone as team principal.
“I understand he might actually be there this coming weekend. He’s been invited. I don’t think by Red Bull, but by lots of other parties. I don’t know by whom, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he popped in. That would be the first time he’s been back in the F1 paddock.”
Horner has been involved in discussions with BYD, a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer that has been linked with an entry into the sport after vice president Stella Li declared an interest in F1.
It remains to be seen whether an appearance would be regarding the Shenzhen giants’ potential entry.
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