James Vowles claims Netflix will ‘find someone’ to replace Christian Horner as F1’s villain

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James Vowles believes Christian Horner’s absence in Formula 1 won’t be felt for long, as Netflix will look to create a new narrative.

Horner’s absence in Formula 1 is felt, even though it’s been less than a year since the former Red Bull CEO was dismissed.

While Horner’s presence has been scrubbed by Red Bull, there is no denying that the sport is missing something without one of its most polarising figures.

Zak Brown thinks it would be ‘great’ if Christian Horner returns to F1 – Do you share his stance?

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Horner has been linked to an F1 return with several teams reportedly in the mix. However, there is no word on when he will be back.

Despite his possible return to the sport, James Vowles believes Christian Horner will be replaced as a villainous figure in Formula 1 in short order.

READ MORE: Renault bosses will favour Mercedes over Christian Horner if they sell £443m stake in Alpine team

James Vowles believes Netflix can ‘find’ a replacement for Christian Horner as F1’s antagonist

Speaking at an event with Axios and The Race, James Vowles was asked about Christian Horner’s absence from Formula 1 and what kind of narrative can emerge without him.

Vowles noted his history with Horner and acknowledged that, despite their challenges, he respects him. But without him in Formula 1, Vowles expects Netflix to replace Horner as the primary villainous figure of the sport.

“For whatever Christian has done or hasn’t done, he still brought the team to a huge number of championships.

“When I was back at Mercedes and Brawn, he was the one I was fighting against the whole time. And it is impressive what he set in the legacy of Red Bull in that circumstance.

“What you’ve picked up on, within Netflix, you need a storyline that contains the positive and the negative…

“Are we missing that strength on the other side? Maybe, but watch this space. I’m pretty sure they’ll find someone.”

READ MORE: Damon Hill reveals whether he would have enjoyed racing under Christian Horner in Formula 1

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Christian Horner scrambling to secure a return to Formula 1

Horner looked set to return to Formula 1 as the majority owner and CEO of Alpine after bidding on their 24% stake through a consortium.

However, Toto Wolff and Mercedes hijacked Horner’s Alpine bid, thus complicating his path back to F1 and forcing him to turn to other avenues.

Horner is reportedly in contact with Lawrence Stroll frequently, who could bring him back to help steady the chaotic ship at Aston Martin.

But with his former colleague, Jonathan Wheatley, leaving recently, Horner could also consider Audi, given how they also need someone to manage day-to-day racing operations.

While from the outside looking in, it appears that Horner has several options. But his return to Formula 1 faces several obstacles simply not in his control.