McLaren boss Zak Brown predicts whether he thinks Christian Horner will ever return to Formula 1

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Christian Horner’s exit from Red Bull and Formula 1 in 2025 sent shockwaves across the paddock.

The 51-year-old was dismissed as team principal after the British GP amid friction between key figures at Red Bull. Several personnel have left the team in recent months, including Adrian Newey, Jonathan Wheatley and Will Courtenay – Helmut Marko has also left Red Bull after 2025.

Horner joined that list in the summer, later being relieved of all duties at the Milton Keynes outfit in September. It was reported that Horner turned down an extra £30m from Red Bull, with his total payout from his contract, which expired in 2030, standing at £80m.

That decision made one thing clear: Horner is determined to return to the F1 paddock in 2026. It is understood that he wants to take on a leadership role and acquire a stake in an F1 team.

Zak Brown backs ‘unbelievable’ Christian Horner to return to Formula 1

So far, a potential return for Horner has been mooted with several teams, but he has seen those opportunities disappear. He was linked with Ferrari earlier in the year, as well as Aston Martin.

After Andy Cowell stepped down as team principal, it was reported that Horner was in contention to replace him. When it seemed likely that he would take the role, Aston Martin stunned everyone by announcing Adrian Newey as team principal in 2026.

Team owner Lawrence Stroll told staff Horner would not be joining the team when he broke the news about Newey. That means any possible way back into F1 for the former Red Bull boss is speculation at this point.

But McLaren CEO Zak Brown is confident that Horner will be back in F1 one day. Asked on talkSPORT if the sport was missing the 51-year-old, he replied: “Yeah, in the sense of, I mean, he’s an unbelievable team boss. Obviously, things went sideways the last couple years.

“I think he’ll be back, but I think sport is filled with characters, good guys, bad guys, all different sorts. And I think that’s what makes the sport fascinating.”

READ MORE: Who is Christian Horner? All you need to know from Red Bull to net worth

Where could Christian Horner go in 2026?

As the 2026 season nears, many will be left wondering where Horner will move to and what role he will take at his next team.

Despite ruling out a move, Stroll is still pursuing Horner at Aston Martin. He wants to bring him on board his exciting project alongside Newey and Honda, with whom the 51-year-old had incredible success at Red Bull.

Aston Martin are not his only admirers. Horner is in ‘ongoing’ talks with Alpine, as Flavio Briatore is keen to bring his close friend to Enstone.

Alpine have made £900m stakes available for potential investors, which could grab Horner’s attention. His experience and success could be what they need after finishing last with 22 points in 2025.