Christian Horner is the top choice to take a big role when Formula One makes a comeback.
Christian Horner is being called the top choice to become Ferrari’s next team principal, as reports say Fred Vasseur may soon step down from his role. Since leaving Red Bull after 20 years on July 9, 2025, Horner has been linked with a return to Formula One, with several teams interested. But now, it looks like Ferrari could be the frontrunner to sign him.
After the Azerbaijan Grand Prix this weekend, several news outlets shared that Ferrari plans to ease Vasseur out of his team principal position, which he’s held since 2023. The team’s top leaders want a new long-term plan with a different principal starting after the 2026 season.
On the Paddock Access podcast, F1 insider and photographer Kym Illman said Vasseur will be “phased out” but still stay with Ferrari in some capacity. Co-host Jacky Martens agreed, saying Vasseur likely won’t be team principal next year.
The hosts then talked about who could replace the 58-year-old Vasseur, naming Horner as the favorite after he recently said he would love the “dream” job at Ferrari. “Would I consider Ferrari? It’s the biggest name in Formula One,” Horner told The Times. “It’s the dream. Ferrari is a sleeping giant in F1.”
If Horner does get the job, it would be his first since leaving Red Bull amid serious accusations from a female employee about sexual harassment and controlling behavior. When he left in July last year, Horner reportedly received a settlement around €60m (£51.5m).
Reacting to the rumors after a tough race in Baku, Vasseur shared his frustration about the distraction. “We are not working in perfect peace,” he said. “For me, for the team, and for the media, with half the questions about this, it’s frustrating. We’re fighting for third place in the championship, but the talk is mostly about this.”
He added, “It’s not up to me. Mr. Horner is looking for a job — everyone knows that. What can I do? I’ll just focus on motivating the team and pushing them to do their best.”
When asked if he was joking about the Horner rumors, Vasseur said, “I was very serious.” When asked if he would work with Horner, he replied, “You have to ask my assistant.”
Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton, who finished sixth in Baku, avoided commenting on the rumors and simply answered “Yes” when asked if he thought Ferrari was on the right track with Vasseur.