Christian Horner makes first F1 paddock appearance since Red Bull exit

Christian Horner has returned to a Formula 1 paddock for the first time since leaving Red Bull, appearing at Silverstone ahead of Sunday’s grand prix at the venue that marked his final race in charge of the team.

Horner back at Silverstone

Horner had led Red Bull for 20 years before his exit came just days after the 2025 British Grand Prix. His return to Silverstone is therefore symbolically significant: the circuit was the scene of his last race as Red Bull team principal and now serves as the backdrop for his first public reappearance inside the F1 environment.

His presence adds another layer of intrigue to a Silverstone weekend already carrying major paddock significance, with recent British GP coverage focusing heavily on team performance and future narratives, including Red Bull’s struggles in qualifying at Silverstone.

Free to return to Formula 1

Horner formally departed Red Bull in September last year after negotiating exit terms and agreeing a severance package. That agreement was followed by a period of gardening leave, which has now concluded, leaving him free to work in Formula 1 again in any capacity offered to him.

Since his departure, Horner has been linked with a range of possible paddock roles, including positions at Ferrari, Aston Martin and Alpine. However, no permanent move to a new team has yet been finalised.

A major figure without a team

Horner remains one of the most successful team bosses in Formula 1 history, having overseen long spells of success with Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen during his two decades at Red Bull.

For now, his Silverstone appearance does not confirm his next step. But it does mark a notable moment: one of F1’s most prominent former team principals is back in the paddock, available, visible, and once again part of the sport’s conversation.