Christian Horner described how his time at Red Bull came to an end and what an F1 return would need to look like.
He would consider an F1 return, but only if the right opportunity came along. The former Red Bull Team Principal reflected on life away from the paddock, the pressure of the job and how much his old role has changed.
Horner looks back on 404 races with Red Bull
Horner spoke about never missing a round during his time with Red Bull across 20 years or service. In his time as team boss and CEO, they won eight Drivers’ Championships and six Constructors’.
Reflecting on that record, he said, “I did 404 races in my time at Red Bull. I never missed a race. I was there for every podium, every win, every practice session.”
His exit came suddenly, but said stepping away gave him the chance to reflect. Horner said, “I left in a way that was fairly abrupt and fairly brutal. But it gives you time to take stock, to take a breath and from the outside looking in.”
Horner remains a committed follower of the sport. He said, “I still follow Formula One with a passion.
“I’m still a fan of the sport. I still love the sport.”
He also said he has enjoyed being away from the relentless schedule of 24 races and managing a team of over a thousand people.
Horner said, “I’ve enjoyed not being on that hamster wheel. And you don’t realise just how much pressure it is until you step off it.”
Horner puts family first after an unhappy atmosphere
Towards the end of his time at Red Bull Racing, many big names left, as well as a rift between the Brit and Helmut Marko.
Horner said the mood around the team at the time “just wasn’t a happy atmosphere at that juncture in time”, adding that he needed to spend time with the people he loves. He said, “And you had to have time with your family, for the people you love.”
Despite the way it ended, Horner spoke fondly of his career.
“And basically for me, I’ve had a great run in Formula One. I’ve had a great run with Red Bull. I’ve enjoyed the competition. I’ve enjoyed working with some amazing drivers.”
Horner: F1 return depends on the right project
Horner said he would not return for the sake of it. He said, “I’m 52 years of age. Would I go back? I’d only go back for the right thing.”
He explained what the right opportunity would look like. Horner said, “I’d go back to work with good people in a project and with people that want to win.”
Horner also believes the Team Principal role has changed greatly since he arrived. He said, “The role of a team principal is unrecognisable to me now to when I came in.”
He recalled sitting alongside figures such as Briatore, Dennis and Todt in those early years. Now, he said, “The only person that really performs that role now is really probably Toto [Wolff] and to a degree Zak [Brown].”
Horner closed by saying he would take a serious look at the right offer.
“And so for me, if there was the right opportunity, I would seriously consider it. But it would only be if it was right for me and with a group of people.”
