Lawrence Stroll is still in ‘regular contact’ with Christian Horner despite Adrian Newey concerns

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As Christian Horner sees doors closing on a potential return to Formula 1, Aston Martin may opt to bring him in in a new role.

After his dismissal from Red Bull last year, Christian Horner has been hard at work trying to orchestrate a return to Formula 1, with his primary option being Alpine.

Through a consortium, Horner looked to purchase a stake in Alpine. The 24% stake is currently held by Otro Capital, who are taking offers on their equity in the team.

Who is the best person to run Alpine in Formula 1: Christian Horner, Toto Wolff or Flavio Briatore?

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However, with Toto Wolff and Mercedes also bidding for Alpine, this route has become more complicated for the former Red Bull CEO.

While some reports had suggested Horner was blocked from Aston Martin by Adrian Newey, it appears that isn’t the case.

READ MORE: Christian Horner is down to his final option as Aston Martin close in on Jonathan Wheatley

Christian Horner eyed for Aston Martin CEO role as contact with Lawrence Stroll continues

According to Thomas Maher of Planet F1, Christian Horner is still in close contact with Lawrence Stroll, who is ‘eager’ to bring him into Aston Martin as CEO with equity.

Reports of a meeting between the two appear to have been false. And despite Adrian Newey’s hesitation and the potential arrival of Jonathan Wheatley, Horner has a path into Aston Martin.

“Horner is also thought to still be a contender for a role with Aston Martin, with Stroll said to be eager to bring him on board in a CEO role, with equity.

“Reports that Stroll and Horner met recently are said to be inaccurate, but it’s understood there is regular contact between the two men.

“Newey’s amenability to Horner’s potential arrival is said to be inconsistent, despite the two men’s own personal friendship.

“But there still remains the distinct possibility of a Newey/Horner reunited alliance at Aston Martin, with Wheatley as the team boss, which would bring back together several of the key players of Red Bull’s past successes.”

Is Jonathan Wheatley the right man to get Aston Martin back on track in 2026?

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READ MORE: The FIA could now ‘block’ Toto Wolff and Mercedes’ bid to buy Alpine over Christian Horner

Christian Horner could clash with Jonathan Wheatley despite previous success

If Horner does indeed join Aston Martin as CEO, Maher reported that he would be working alongside Jonathan Wheatley, who would take over for Adrian Newey as team principal should he join.

While the trio have an excellent track record while working together at Red Bull, it’s important to note that Horner was still in complete control at that time.

And even in his role as CEO, Horner will not have team principal duties, having to defer to Wheatley instead. For a successful former team principal like Horner, this could prove to be a challenge.

If Horner and Wheatley disagree on certain team matters, it could create more friction and add to the enormous pile of internal problems within Aston Martin already.

There would have to be some understanding between the two and an establishment of a hierarchy, or an internal pecking order between the two, and Adrian Newey, if their reunion is to be a long-term success.