Ex-Red Bull boss eyes part-ownership role as £1.6bn Aston Martin project tempts him back to the grid
By TRNDR F1 | 5 October 2025
Christian Horner isn’t done with Formula 1.
Fresh from his high-profile Red Bull exit, the 51-year-old Brit has reportedly agreed a payoff that frees him to return to the paddock next season — and he’s already lining up his next move.
According to ESPN sources, Horner is keen on a shock switch to Aston Martin, a team valued at over £1.6 billion and currently enduring another tough campaign under Andy Cowell. Fernando Alonso continues to fight for points rather than podiums, while Lance Stroll’s form has frustrated fans and fuelled speculation about sweeping changes at Silverstone.
A bigger role — and bigger ambitions
After years of running Red Bull’s all-conquering operation, Horner’s next act could see him step beyond the team principal role. Reports suggest he wants a part-ownership stake in whichever team he joins — similar to Adrian Newey’s setup at Aston Martin.
That’s where things get complicated. Lawrence Stroll, Aston Martin’s billionaire owner, is said to admire Horner but doesn’t view him as a Newey-level asset. And with Cowell and Mike Krack already holding senior positions, there’s no obvious seat waiting for Horner in the structure.
Stroll, Verstappen, and the politics of power
There’s another layer to this saga. Aston Martin have long been linked with Max Verstappen, who could be tempted away from Red Bull after a turbulent season. But bringing Horner onboard might backfire — the pair’s relationship reportedly soured during the final months of his Red Bull tenure.
Cowell, when asked about Horner rumours in Singapore, played it cool:
“It looks as though Christian’s ringing up pretty much every team owner at the moment. I can clearly say there are no plans for his involvement in any role in the future.”
Still, Formula 1 rarely stands still. If Aston Martin’s performance doesn’t improve in 2026, Horner’s experience and connections could be too tempting for Stroll to ignore.
