Christian Horner‘s potential move to Ferrari as team principal Fred Vasseur’s replacement could pave the way for seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton’s departure, according to Will Buxton. Horner served as Red Bull Racing‘s team principal for 20 years before being ousted by the team on Wednesday.
While the reason for his exit remains unknown, Ferrari’s interest in Horner, which dated back to 2022, has resurfaced, especially given the rumors of Vasseur’s potential exit in the recent races.
Speculation is that Ferrari is unhappy with Vasseur’s performance, although these rumors have been shut down by Vasseur, Lewis Hamilton, and Charles Leclerc. The Maranello-based outfit last won the Constructors’ Championship in 2008. Kimi Räikkönen was the last Ferrari driver to have secured the 2007 Drivers’ Championship.
Horner’s availability has led many to believe that Ferrari could approach him again. However, motorsport journalist Buxton has pointed out that Hamilton’s move from Mercedes to Ferrari early this year was influenced by Vasseur. If Ferrari were to part ways with Vasseur, it could also lead to Hamilton’s exit. Speaking on The Sports Agents podcast, Buxton explained:
“One of the key reasons that Lewis moved to Ferrari wasn’t just the allure of racing for the Scuderia. It was to link up once again with Fred Vasseur, who ran Lewis to his junior series championships.
“Lewis adores that man and has absolute faith in Fred Vasseur. If they replaced Fred with Christian Horner, I don’t think Lewis would be a Ferrari driver for much longer.”
F1 journalist Joe Saward highlighted Ferrari chairman John Elkann’s interest in Horner back in 2022, given rumors about Horner joining Ferrari swirled in the paddock during the Spanish Grand Prix weekend. He also pointed out concerns with Vasseur but stressed that Horner would refuse the offer. He wrote in his blog:
“This story was true about three years ago when Ferrari chairman John Elkann jetted over the England and dropped in to see Christian and asked him if he would like to move to Maranello. Horner said ‘Thanks for the offer’ and Elkann rang his pilots and told them to spool up the jets.
“Horner’s response is unlikely to change if Ferrari does come calling again, but he said that they had not. For many in F1 joining Ferrari is considered a career move akin to throwing oneself on a bonfire (with a flameproof wallet) because the team seems to be unfixable. It is nearly a generation since Ferrari won its last Formula 1 title.
“It is probably inevitable that Vasseur’s future is beginning to be questioned. He has been there for a couple of seasons and things have not gone particularly well.”
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