Christian Horner says Ferrari 'dream job' remarks were taken out of context and backs Fred Vasseur

Christian Horner has moved to calm speculation that he could replace Fred Vasseur at Ferrari, saying his description of the Maranello team principal role as a dream job was "taken out of context". The former Red Bull boss, who has been out of F1 since July 2025, also repeated that any return to the sport would need to come with an ownership stake, something Ferrari is not offering.

What sparked the speculation

In an earlier newspaper interview, Horner called the Ferrari job a dream role and suggested it was the one position in F1 he would consider without part-ownership. Coming at a time when Ferrari's form had dipped, the remarks added fuel to rumours about Vasseur's future.

Both Ferrari drivers, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, have won a race this season, but the team has not won since Leclerc's British Grand Prix victory in early July. Ferrari publicly backed Vasseur when the rumours surfaced, and both Hamilton and Leclerc said he is the right man to lead the team.

Horner's clarification

In a later newspaper interview, Horner said he had been trying to show respect to the Ferrari name and that his words had been misread. He praised Vasseur as an experienced leader who has done a decent job and said he understood the pressure of running a front-running team.

Horner described Ferrari as Formula 1's biggest and most historic brand, but said the Italian team will not sell shares. Because he wants any next step to include ownership, that effectively rules out a move to Maranello.

He added that he is content to stay outside the sport and see what opportunities come along, and that coming back is not a requirement. If he does return, he said it would only be for the right project with people who want to win, not simply to take part.

Ownership model

Horner's stated preference mirrors the arrangement at Mercedes, where Toto Wolff is both team principal and a shareholder. That kind of role is rare on the current grid, which limits the openings that would meet his conditions. He has not named any team he is in talks with, and no deal of any kind has been announced.

Vasseur's position

Vasseur said after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in September that his future was not in his hands, while noting that it was common knowledge Horner was looking for work. He has said his focus remains on pushing and motivating the team.

Ferrari head to Austin for the United States Grand Prix on 23 to 25 October, where Hamilton and Leclerc will look to end the team's winless run.

Key takeaways

• Horner says his Ferrari "dream job" remarks were taken out of context.
• He praised Fred Vasseur as an experienced team principal who has done a decent job.
• Horner insists any F1 return must include ownership, and says Ferrari will not sell shares.
• Ferrari, Hamilton and Leclerc have all publicly backed Vasseur.

FAQ

Is Christian Horner joining Ferrari? Nothing has been announced. Horner says his comments were taken out of context and that Ferrari will not sell the shares he wants in any new role.

When did Horner leave Red Bull? He was removed as Red Bull Racing team principal and CEO in July 2025 and replaced by Laurent Mekies.

What does Horner want for an F1 return? He says he would only return for the right project, and that it would need to include an ownership stake.

Sources: Crash.net, PlanetF1, TheJudge13, RacingNews365