Christian Horner made his first appearance in the Formula 1 paddock since his departure from Red Bull last year at Sunday’s British Grand Prix.
Horner arrived at Silverstone on Sunday lunchtime ahead of the race, which starts live at 3pm. Sky Sport F1 And Sky One.
He was relieved of his dual role as head and chief executive of Red Bull three days after the British Grand Prix last July, ending a 20-year spell at the helm during which he led the team to eight drivers’ championships and six constructors’ championships.
Talking to Sky Sports’ On Craig Slater’s arrival Horner said: “It’s great to be back here at Silverstone.
“Ultimately, I’m a fan and the British Grand Prix is in town. I haven’t missed one since 1993, so it’s nice to be here.”
Christian Horner speaks to Craig Slater upon arrival in the Silverstone paddock
Horner received a huge payout, believed to be in the region of £75 million, but in fact decided to take less money than was potentially available in order to negotiate a shorter period of time before he was allowed to return to the sport with another team.
That period is now over, and while Horner is known to be interested in a return to Formula One, having said at an event in January that he has “unfinished business” in the sport, he is believed to favor a scenario in which he also has a stake in the team – a status he did not have at Red Bull.
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Sky Sports’ Craig Slater looks back on Christian Horner’s 20-year tenure as Red Bull CEO and team principal.
The 52-year-old businessman and his consortium are bidding to buy a minority stake in Alpine, which is currently owned by US investment firm Otro Capital. Horner has also been linked with setting up a potential new No. 12 team with Chinese car maker BYD, with links to a position at Aston Martin resurfacing this week.
“I enjoyed my time,” Horner said Sky Sport at Silverstone.
“I worked for 20 years straight with the guys from Red Bull. Obviously I had been doing other things before this, so for the first time I had some time to get off the hamster wheel.
“But for me, I would only look at doing the right thing, what actually has the ability to win at the end of the day.”
‘I’m in no rush’ – but where could Horner potentially return?
Horner lost his long-time job at Red Bull in July last year.
Sky Sports’ Craig Slater handed over several Horner-related teams/new ventures to the former Red Bull boss:
Aston Martin?
Horner: “This is a great British brand. It’s sad to see them actually going through such hardships.
“But there is so much speculation. One week it’s Aston, the next week it’s Alpine, the next week it’s somewhere else.”
“I wish them all well today.”
Alpine?
Horner: “The main thing is that Formula 1 is in such a great place. The racing this year was superb, I sat back and watched it from behind the scenes.
“The interest in Formula 1 is sky-high. There is so much interest from people who want to get into Formula 1, so we’ll see. I’m in no hurry.”
New 12th team with Chinese BYD?
Horner: “Well, again, there is a lot of interest in Formula 1. BYD is a huge organization and a huge company.
“There is so much speculation. I think I’ve visited every team on the grid so far. I’m just here to enjoy the race. Today I’m here as a fan.”
The Formula 1 summer race continues with the Belgian Grand Prix at iconic Spa-Francorchamps, live on Sky Sports F1 from 17-19 July. Watch Sky Sports now – no contract, cancel anytime