Christian Horner set for bombshell F1 British GP return | F1 | Sport
Christian Horner is set to crash the Silverstone party today as he gears up for a first paddock appearance since his Formula 1 exit. He was relieved of his Red Bull duties just two days after the British Grand Prix last July. The 52-year-old has kept a largely low profile since, other than working in the background on potential deals to get back into the sport.
But Express Sport was told in the Silverstone paddock on Saturday morning that Horner is due to be back in front of the cameras at Silverstone on Sunday. He has previously been seen at MotoGP and Formula E races while working in the background on a memoir, which was announced on Saturday and is set for release in October.
The book, called ‘DRIVE’, will tell stories from his 20 years in charge of Red Bull and will no doubt contain explosive stories from his many run-ins with rivals over the years. In a statement supporting the promotion of the memoir, Horner said: “F1 is ultimately a people business.
“While the sport is often defined by the cars, the victories and the championships, what stays with me most are the people, the decisions, the challenges and the extraordinary cast of characters I encountered along the way. This book is my reflection on an incredible 20-year journey and the many individuals who helped shape it.”
Horner continues to work on a return to F1 and, for months, was most strongly linked with a bid to buy the 24 percent stake in the Alpine team up for sale by Otro Capital. Flavio Briatore confirmed his interest back in February, but talks have since cooled with Renault chief Francois Provost recently saying there are no active discussions with him.
He seems to have now set his sights on a project with Chinese carmaker BYD to form what would be a 12th F1 team. Horner has been seen with the company’s executive vice president Stella Li at public events in recent months.
His appeal to potential investors is obvious: Horner enjoyed remarkable success over those 20 years in charge of Red Bull, transforming the team from mediocre newcomers into an outfit which has won eight drivers’ titles and six constructors’ championships, making both Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen four-time world champions in the process.
Undeniably, though, there is also baggage. Having at times embraced his ‘pantomime villain’ role, Horner made enemies both within and without Red Bull. A potential return to work in F1, and even his flying visit to Silverstone on Sunday, will not be welcomed by all.
