After Red Bull exit, a complex path back to the pit wall
Red Bull has formally confirmed Christian Horner’s departure after two decades at the helm, closing a dominant era that included multiple drivers’ and constructors’ titles. Laurent Mekies, previously leading the sister Racing Bulls team, steps in to guide Red Bull into a new phase, with its own power unit set to debut in 2026.
According to reports, Horner’s exit package is around €60 million and includes approximately nine months of gardening leave — a timetable that could enable him to return to work early in 2026. That calendar detail matters: it aligns with the sport’s next major regulation shift, a natural inflection point for strategic leadership changes.
Ownership ambitions vs. market reality
Horner has long sought equity in his project, mirroring the Mercedes structure that sees Toto Wolff as both team principal and co-owner. But he did not secure shares at Red Bull, and his negotiated payout is unlikely to fund a comparable stake elsewhere on its own. At present, no team appears open to a sale or majority buy-in, limiting the immediate pathways to an ownership-linked role.
Speculation surfaced around Ferrari, Alpine and Cadillac, but concrete opportunities are not evident, and Alpine and Cadillac in particular seem unlikely destinations. With Luca de Meo’s exit no longer driving uncertainty, new CEO François Prévost has signalled Alpine’s continued F1 commitment.
What could change — and when
- Short-term: A return tied to co-ownership looks remote. Not all teams are eager to bring in such a high-profile figure, even with Horner’s track record.
- Medium-term (2026): Regulation changes can expose underperformance and leadership churn, potentially opening doors for a turnaround specialist.
- Other avenues: Reports have floated Haas or even a MotoGP venture, but nothing is concrete.
In the end, Horner’s résumé is undeniable — but so are the constraints. Without equity on the table or a team in transition, a sensational immediate comeback appears unlikely. The 2026 reset may be his most realistic window for a top-tier role, especially if a struggling outfit seeks a proven hand to steer a new-era project.
