Christian Horner has been tipped to hitch an F1 backmarker staff slightly than Ferrari following his shock dismissal by Crimson Bull after 20 years in control of the staff
The prospect of Christian Horner becoming a member of Ferrari has been dismissed for 2 key causes. Horner’s stint as Crimson Bull staff principal got here to an abrupt finish when he was sacked this week, closing a 20-year period throughout which he steered the staff to 14 world championships.
Father or mother firm Crimson Bull GmbH introduced Horner’s rapid launch with out citing a purpose. His departure got here 17 months after he was accused by a feminine workers member of “inappropriate behaviour”. Horner at all times denied the claims and was cleared of any wrongdoing following two investigations.
Horner, 51, is broadly anticipated to return to the F1 paddock at some stage, with a possible blockbuster transfer to Ferrari being rumoured. Horner’s title has beforehand been linked with the enduring Italian outfit, with firm chairman Ferrari chairman John Elkann approaching him in 2022.
Nevertheless, Ferrari appointed Fred Vasseur as their staff chief, who now faces intense scrutiny because of the squad’s lacklustre efficiency up to now this season. That led to Horner-to-Ferrari hypothesis resurfacing earlier this summer time.
Nevertheless, Sky Sports activities pundit and ex-F1 driver Karun Chandhok has cited Horner’s obvious reluctance to relocate to Italy and the truth that design guru Adrian Newey will not be becoming a member of him as the explanation why the transfer will not occur.
Ferrari needed Newey following his resolution to stop Crimson Bull final yr amid growing rigidity with Horner. However he joined Aston as a managing technical associate whereas additionally buying a stake within the Silverstone-based outfit.
Talking on the Sky Sports activities F1 podcast, Chandhok mentioned: “I feel the mixture of Horner and Newey was a way more enticing bundle for Ferrari.”
Chandhok believes a transfer to Alpine, the place Horner’s buddy Flavio Briatore runs the staff as government advisor, is extra possible. He added: “I can see him touchdown at Alpine greater than I can see him touchdown at Ferrari.
“At his stage in life, does he need to uproot the whole lot? The commute to Enstone (the place Alpine are primarily based) is just about the identical because the one to Milton Keynes (Crimson Bull’s base).”
Sky Sports activities reporter Ted Kravitz also can see Horner becoming a member of Renault-owned Alpine, who sit on the foot of the constructors’ standings. He mentioned: “A lot better if he thought Alpine was an choice, one other British-based staff with Flavio there, with a staff that is very like Crimson Bull.
“Lots of people in Entone are ex-Crimson Bull and vice versa. That may be a a lot simpler place for him to go.
“The Ferrari choice, as tempting because it may need been, particularly just a few months in the past, figuring out what was going to occur (along with his Crimson Bull exit)… however I feel he’d already made his thoughts up to not do Ferrari and if Alpine is an choice, that is a significantly better strategy to go.”
Sky Sports activities commentator Martin Brundle additionally sees Horner probably becoming a member of Alpine, however prompt he might want extra than simply the function of staff principal.
He mentioned: “I feel Christian will probably be determined to get a stake in a staff going ahead and have some possession slightly than be a employed hand. He clearly will not be capable of do this (possession) at Ferrari, as entertaining as that job is perhaps.”
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