Following his mid-2025 dismissal from Red Bull Racing, Christian Horner has been strategically planning his comeback to Formula 1, a prospect that ex-racer Juan Pablo Montoya finds highly appealing.
“Christian Horner’s return would be fantastic,” Montoya stated. “His remarkable success with Red Bull over many years was truly extraordinary. Therefore, if he receives another opportunity, I believe it would be exceptionally good. I think he possesses a clear understanding of what is required.
“It’s somewhat akin to Toto Wolff’s approach. You establish yourself, then strategically position the correct individuals, and regardless of personal preferences, they achieve the desired results.”
Ferrari, an organization previously rumored to be a destination for Horner, endured a dismal 2025 F1 season. Although they seem to be in a stronger position for the 2026 campaign, the possibility of underperformance remains a constant concern.
Dismissing leadership isn’t always the solution
“Is it truly his fault if things don’t go according to plan?” Montoya pondered. “In my opinion, this is Ferrari’s most significant problem; whenever results aren’t met, they simply replace the head of the operation. There’s a fundamental need for construction, and that culture of fear must be eradicated from Ferrari, along with anyone who fosters such a mindset.
“Their focus should be on creating, not dismantling. Either you possess a sufficiently talented team to engineer the ultimate car, or you don’t. If the latter is true, then the priority must be to determine how to recruit top talent, understand the requirements for hiring such individuals, and establish a robust team and foundation.
“However, the approach of ‘The car is performing poorly; you’re dismissed. We’ll bring in a replacement’ is unsustainable. Because when the next person arrives, if they’re not well-received, others will depart. They absolutely must cease the cycle of dismissing and reassigning personnel and set aside internal politics.
“Fundamentally, it’s a racing collective,” the Colombian emphasized. “Consider the stability at McLaren and Mercedes-Benz. They exhibit immense strength. They share victories, they share defeats, and every event is a collective experience.
“There’s no public finger-pointing. But the Italian temperament is intensely passionate and heavily influenced by media scrutiny, leading to a cry of ‘We demand accountability!'”
Despite the recent cooling of rumors linking Horner with Ferrari, Montoya still regards the Briton as a suitable candidate to succeed Vasseur, albeit with a significant condition.
Ferrari must grant Horner sufficient time
“Truthfully, Ferrari would indeed gain from Christian Horner’s leadership,” he affirmed. “However, Ferrari would need to grasp that the initial two years would be challenging, and that this represents a minimum four-year strategic plan, demanding considerable patience from their side.
“They would be obligated to provide unwavering support throughout the team’s reconstruction phase, and everyone involved would need to acknowledge that they are collectively striving towards a powerful future.
“It’s unacceptable to have individuals speaking disparagingly or spreading negativity. The media thrives on team principals airing their grievances publicly. Unity is paramount.
“Herein lies the excellence of Mercedes and McLaren, who excel by maintaining solidarity, exercising discretion, and consistently backing their drivers,” the former F1 competitor asserted.
“Alpine represents the optimal opportunity for Christian Horner,” Montoya declared. “Alpine utilizes the Mercedes power unit. They are strategically located in England. They possess all the necessary resources. Their proximity to Red Bull, roughly 20 to 30 minutes away, is also an advantage.
“I believe his involvement with that team could yield extraordinary benefits,” the victor of seven F1 Grands Prix finalized.