Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has dismissed recent speculation linking him with a move to Ferrari, describing the rumors as “flattering.”
According to a report from German publication *BILD*, Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur`s position could be under pressure following the Italian team`s performance in the current Formula 1 season. The report suggested that Ferrari management had made `informal` contact with Horner.
Horner, a Briton, has been at the helm of Red Bull Racing since its formation in 2005. Under his leadership, the team has achieved remarkable success, securing six constructors` championships and eight drivers` titles. Max Verstappen has won four of these drivers` championships in the last four years.
Speaking at the Spanish Grand Prix, Horner commented on the reports, stating it was “always very flattering to be associated with other teams.”
He strongly affirmed his commitment to his current team: “My whole career has been spent with Red Bull and I`m absolutely committed to this team.”
Horner suggested that the sheer volume of rumors circulating nowadays makes them “not even worth listening to.”
Earlier, during the team principals` press conference in Barcelona, Horner was questioned about the speculation while sitting alongside Alpine executive Flavio Briatore.
He reiterated his stance firmly: “My commitment 100 per cent is with Red Bull. It always has been and certainly will be for the long term.”
Horner acknowledged the constant nature of speculation in Formula 1 regarding personnel movements. “There is a bunch of speculation always in this business, people coming there, people going there. People in the team know exactly what the situation is,” he said.
He also added a lighthearted comment about the suggestion of him joining Ferrari: “My Italian is worse than Flavio`s English so how on Earth would that work?”
While Horner has presided over a highly successful era for Red Bull, the 51-year-old`s time recently has also included challenges and periods of turmoil both inside and outside the team structure.
In February 2024, allegations of inappropriate behaviour made against him by a female colleague were dismissed. Horner consistently denied the accusations.
Red Bull has also seen the departure of several high-profile figures, notably legendary designer Adrian Newey and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley.
Verstappen`s Future Also Subject to Rumors
Alongside the speculation about Horner, the future of Red Bull`s star driver, Max Verstappen, has also been the subject of rumors, with teams like Mercedes and Aston Martin reportedly showing interest.
Reports have circulated regarding a potential clause in Verstappen`s contract that was reportedly tied to his championship position around the time of the Austrian Grand Prix in late June. This clause was said to potentially allow him to leave for the following season if he wasn`t within the top four in the drivers` standings by that point.
When asked about these reports, Horner stated, “We`re never going to discuss contracts with drivers in public. There`s speculation about everything these days so it`ll be something else tomorrow.”
Pressed on his confidence in Verstappen`s long-term future remaining with Red Bull, Horner replied emphatically, “Yeah, absolutely.”
He elaborated on his confidence: “Max knows the commitment from the team. He knows and we know what he expects from the team. He believes in the people that are around him. Nothing is ever absolutely guaranteed in life, but everybody knows where they`re at.”
Wesley Dunham 
Gilbert Pendleton