Christian Horner has made his first appearance in the Formula 1 paddock since his exit from Red Bull last year at Sunday’s British Grand Prix.
Horner arrived at Silverstone on Sunday lunchtime ahead of the race, which starts at 3pm live on Sky Sports F1 and Sky One.
He was relieved of his dual role of Red Bull team principal and chief executive three days after last July’s British GP, ending a 20-year period in charge in which he led the team to eight Drivers’ and six Constructors’ Championships.
Speaking to Sky Sports’ Craig Slater on his arrival, Horner said: “It’s great to be back here at Silverstone.
“Ultimately I’m a fan and the British Grand Prix is in town. I’ve not missed one since ’93, so it’s good to be here.”
Christian Horner speaking to Craig Slater on his arrival in the paddock at Silverstone
Horner received a huge pay-out, understood to be in the region of £75m, but actually chose to take less money than was potentially available in order to agree a shorter period of time before he would be allowed to return to the sport with another team.
That period is now complete and while Horner is understood to be keen on an F1 return – saying at an event in January that he had “unfinished business” in the sport – it is thought he prioritises a scenario where he also has a stake in a team – a status he did not hold at Red Bull.
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Sky Sports’ Craig Slater takes a look back at Christian Horner’s 20-year run as Red Bull CEO and team principal
The 52-year-old and a consortium have been in the running to buy the minority stake in Alpine currently held by US investment firm Otro Capital. Horner has also been linked to setting up a potential new 12th team with Chinese car manufacturer BYD, while links to a role at Aston Martin also resurfaced this week.
“I’ve enjoyed my time out,” said Horner to Sky Sports at Silverstone.
“I did 20 years straight with Red Bull guys. I was obviously doing other stuff before that, so it’s the first time I’ve ever had a bit of time to get off the hamster wheel.
“But for me, I’d only look at doing the right thing, something that really had an opportunity to win at the end of the day.”
‘I’m in no rush’ – but where could Horner potentially return?
Horner lost his long-held job at Red Bull last July
Sky Sports’ Craig Slater put several of the teams/new ventures linked with Horner to the former Red Bull chief:
Aston Martin?
Horner: “It’s a great British brand. It’s sad to see them really struggling as they are.
“But there’s so much speculation. One week it’s Aston, the next is Alpine, the next is somewhere else.
“I wish them all well today.”
Alpine?
Horner: “The main thing is F1 is in such a great place. The racing has been super this year, sitting back and watching it from behind the scenes.
“The interest in F1 is sky-high. There’s so much interest for people who want to get involved in Formula 1, so we will see. I’m on no rush.”
A new 12th team with China’s BYD?
Horner: “Well, again, there’s just so much interest in Formula 1. BYD are a huge entity and a huge company.
“There’s so much speculation. I think I’ve been going to every team on the grid so far. I’m just here to enjoy the race. I’m here as a fan today.”
Formula 1’s summer run continues with the Belgian Grand Prix at legendary Spa-Francorchamps on July 17-19, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime
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