Christian Horner Spotted in New York as Former Red Bull Boss Considers Formula 1 Return

Christian Horner has been seen in New York City this week, sparking fresh speculation about the former Red Bull Racing team principal’s next move as he weighs up a potential return to Formula 1.

Horner, who departed Red Bull earlier this year after nearly two decades at the helm, shared images from his U.S. trip on social media. Fans quickly noticed the 51-year-old posing for pictures on the streets of Manhattan, marking one of his few public appearances since his exit from the Milton Keynes-based team.

Since leaving Red Bull in late summer, Horner has largely kept a low profile, spending time with his family including wife Geri Horner on holidays in Croatia and Scotland. His latest trip to the United States, however, has drawn attention given New York’s status as a global business hub and the headquarters of several major F1 investors.

Exploring His Next Chapter

According to reports, Horner has already secured significant financial backing for his next motorsport venture. His record at Red Bull overseeing eight Drivers’ Championships and six Constructors’ titles has made him one of the most successful and influential figures in modern Formula 1.

Sources suggest Horner’s next move may not simply be a return to the pit wall. Instead, he is said to be targeting a CEO-style leadership role, focusing on a team’s strategic and commercial direction rather than day-to-day operations.

Crucially, Horner is believed to be seeking equity in an F1 team either as a minority or majority shareholder, or potentially through the creation of a new team entirely. Backed by investors reportedly capable of funding an outright team purchase, Horner’s options are wide-ranging in an era when team valuations have skyrocketed.

Recent financial developments illustrate the scale of modern F1 investment:

• McLaren’s latest share dealings valued the team at around $5 billion.
• Mercedes is estimated to be worth roughly $6 billion, based on a recent partial share sale.

Potential Avenues: New Team or Takeover

The most plausible route for Horner could be founding a new Formula 1 team, echoing his early career move when he transformed the struggling Jaguar Racing operation into Red Bull Racing in 2005.

It’s understood Horner has already held discussions with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem about the possibility of entering a new team when the governing body next opens an Expression of Interest (EOI) process.

Ben Sulayem has previously indicated support for expanding the grid particularly if a new entrant is backed by a major automotive manufacturer, such as a Chinese OEM.

“When we opened the Expression of Interest [in 2023], what was the outcome based on? Due process, competency framework, and fulfilling FIA regulations,” Ben Sulayem said earlier this year.

“If there is a Chinese bid, and it meets the requirements, I believe Formula 1 Management would agree because it’s about sustaining the business.”

Could Alpine Be a Target?

Among existing teams, Alpine could present an opportunity. The Enstone-based outfit faces a difficult financial period after finishing 10th in the Constructors’ Championship, leading to a reduction in its share capital from £41 million to £13.1 million a move often taken to stabilize finances.

Meanwhile, Alpine’s external investors Otro Capital, RedBird Capital, and Maximum Effort Investments (all headquartered in New York) may be considering cashing out their 24% stake, originally purchased for $218 million in 2023. With the team now estimated to be worth around $3 billion, a sale could yield a 130% return.

Such a move could align with Horner’s presence in New York and his search for equity opportunities.

Other Rumoured Links

Despite speculation, Aston Martin has publicly ruled out any involvement with Horner. CEO Andy Cowell stated in September:

“I can clearly say there are no plans for involvement of Christian, either in an operational or investment role in the future.”

Horner has also been linked albeit tenuously with Haas F1, following a courtesy meeting with an intermediary for team owner Gene Haas. However, Haas remains firm in his stance that he has no intention to sell or dilute ownership.

What’s Next?

While the exact purpose of Horner’s U.S. trip remains unclear, his growing network of investors and continued contact with senior F1 figures suggest that a return to the paddock is only a matter of time.

Whether through the creation of a brand-new team or the acquisition of an existing one, Christian Horner appears poised to re-enter Formula 1 this time, potentially not just as a team boss, but as a team owner and architect of a new project in the sport he helped define for two decades.

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