Lewis Hamilton has shared his thoughts on Christian Horner’s shock exit from Red Bull, as speculation mounts that Ferrari could bring the former team boss on board.
Horner, who had led Red Bull since their Formula 1 debut in 2005, was dismissed from his dual role as team principal and CEO in July. His departure ended a 19-year tenure that saw him oversee all 405 of the team’s Grands Prix. Reports later revealed he had agreed to a £52 million payoff, allowing him to return to Formula 1 in 2026.
Now, Ferrari chairman John Elkann is said to be keen on bringing Horner to Maranello, with current team principal Frédéric Vasseur facing mounting pressure. If that move happens, Horner would find himself managing none other than Hamilton and Charles Leclerc — a pairing that could make for one of the sport’s most fascinating team dynamics, especially given the history between Hamilton and Horner.
Their relationship has long been frosty, dating back to incidents like the infamous 2021 British Grand Prix, when Horner publicly criticised Hamilton for his collision with Max Verstappen. At the time, Hamilton responded coolly:
“I don’t really have anything to say to Christian. The win doesn’t feel hollow. I don’t think I have anything to apologise for.”
Horner also took a swipe at Hamilton in Netflix’s Drive to Survive, muttering, “I wish he’d shut the f**k up,” while watching one of the Mercedes driver’s interviews.
Still, Horner praised Hamilton’s move to Ferrari earlier this year, calling it “box office” and “great for Formula 1.”
When Horner’s sacking became public, Hamilton was asked for his reaction ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix — and gave two contrasting responses.
At first, he brushed off the news, saying:
“When I’m away from race weekends, I don’t pay attention to what’s happening in F1 other than within my own team. So I was neither surprised nor not surprised. I was just minding my own business.”
But later, he offered a more thoughtful take, recalling his first meeting with Horner back in his junior racing days:
“It’s been incredible to see his progress. I remember sitting with Christian in his office in GP2 — I was still in Formula 3 at the time, looking to move up. I wouldn’t say we hit it off immediately! But to see his journey and what he’s achieved has been remarkable.”
Hamilton went on to credit Horner’s leadership at Red Bull, adding:
“Running an organisation of that size and doing it so successfully takes real talent and skill. That’s what he brought to the team. I wish him all the best.”
If Horner does make the switch to Ferrari, Formula 1 fans could soon see one of the sport’s most intriguing rivalries reignited — this time, under the same roof.
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