Christian Horner lands new gig that as axed F1 boss set to speak out | F1 | Sport

In his final full season as head honcho at the Buckinghamshire-based outfit, he helped deliver a fourth consecutive world championship title for Max Verstappen. However, his final months in charge were marred by controversy, with Horner having been accused of inappropriate behaviour towards a female employee. He denied all claims and was cleared of any wrongdoing, first by an internal investigation, and then by another lawyer who dismissed the complainant’s appeal.

Following a period out of the spotlight, Horner is now set to return to work, having announced he’s embarking on a speaking tour of Australia. The events will see Horner open up about his time as a principal for one of the most successful constructors in Formula One history, and will coincide with the start of the 2026 season.

On the world-exclusive shows, Horner explained: “These shows are an exciting opportunity for me to unpack my career so far and provide insights and perspectives on the cusp of another exciting F1 championship.

“Formula 1 is an extraordinary world, but it’s also unforgiving and all-encompassing. I’m privileged to have spent a large part of my life in the centre of that furnace, and I’m looking forward to sharing and reflecting on some of the big moments that have shaped who I am today.”

Away from his talks, there are reports that Horner could be plotting a return to Formula One management, with suggestions he’s fundraising to buy a stake in the Alpine team. It’s claimed that Horner will be free to return to the grid from the second quarter of this year.

It would mean for the first time in his career, Horner would be going head-to-head with Verstappen, who recently admitted he’s still in contact with the former Red Bull chief. The Dutchman said: “Every week, every race. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday and usually via text message. But also on holiday, for example. Every week.”

He added: “Of course, he knows everyone in the team, but it’s more about ‘I wish you good luck’ and ‘I believe in you’ – biggest fan. What we’ve all been through. But also, ‘you know you can do it’. You know, all that kind of stuff, and outside of that, of course, you talk about things other than racing, too. Yes, every week. Every race weekend. Even after his contact.”