Ferrari already shortlisted F1 team boss who would be an even better signing than Christian Horner

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Ferrari are targeting former Red Bull boss Christian Horner as Fred Vasseur faces increasing pressure as team principal.

The Maranello outfit are winless in 2025 as they struggle to extract the maximum from the SF-25. Ferrari staff are disappointed in Vasseur over the direction he took with upgrades, as he prioritised a new rear suspension that brought no improvements.

Despite Vasseur signing a new contract earlier in the year, rumours are speculating that Ferrari could move him on. Horner is being ‘wooed’ by John Elkann, as the chairman is looking to bring the former Red Bull team principal on board in 2026.

Ferrari have been linked with the 51-year-old several times in the past, but now, the rumours seem the strongest they have ever been. It has even been reported that Ferrari could set up a UK technology centre to convince Horner to join.

However, this signing would come at a cost, as Horner would demand ‘two and a half times’ Vasseur’s salary – he would not want less than what he earned at Red Bull. Furthermore, his plans for his next role in F1 could make another former team boss a better option.

Christian Horner’s ownership plans make Andreas Seidl a better option for Ferrari

It is understood that Horner wants to take on an ownership role with his next F1 team. He would also want a stake in said team for absolute control.

That is where the problems start when it comes to his links to Maranello. Ferrari could block signing Horner as they are unlikely to sell a share to him, as was the case with Adrian Newey.

This could make a possible deal implausible unless Ferrari or Horner changes their stance on the matter. If neither party reaches an agreement, there is someone available who could be a better fit.

As per a report from the Daily Mail, Vasseur was ‘third’ on Ferrari’s shortlist back in 2023, with Horner being their main target. McLaren team principal Andreas Seidl was second on the list, before he opted to take on the CEO role at Sauber after he left Woking at the end of 2022.

Seidl was then appointed as CEO of the Audi project in May 2024, but was replaced by former Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto four months later.

He is currently available, and given his previous links to Maranello and the fact that he will likely not want a share in Ferrari like Horner, the German could be a better option.

READ MORE: All to know on sacked Red Bull team principal Christian Horner with net worth

Andreas Seidl’s time at McLaren proves why he would be a great alternative for Ferrari

Seidl was appointed as McLaren team principal in 2019. At the time, the Woking outfit were struggling in the midfield with a lack of sponsors, unmotivated staff and a poor car.

But with Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz on board, the 49-year-old guided McLaren to fourth in the standings, scoring their first podium in five years through Sainz in Brazil.

2020 saw another step forward as Norris and Sainz started to regularly fight for podiums. McLaren finished third – their highest finish since 2012 – before Daniel Ricciardo, who replaced Sainz in 2021, won the team their first race since the 2012 Brazilian GP at Monza.

The 2022 season saw a slight dip in performance, but the team were still consistently scoring points. When Seidl left at the end of the season, he had taken McLaren from mediocrity to building the solid foundations for what the Woking outfit is today.

If Ferrari were to sack Vasseur, a deal with Horner cannot be agreed, the German is the perfect alternative. The team rated him highly enough to consider him a better option than Vasseur in 2023, and with his track record of improving McLaren, he could be just what Ferrari need.