Ecclestone states that Horner's ambition is to own an F1 team.

      "He's still in shock."

      Christian Horner is still processing his abrupt departure from Red Bull, as stated by longtime friend Bernie Ecclestone, who believes that the former team principal may not make a return to Formula 1. The 94-year-old ex-F1 head was present in the paddock at the Hungarian GP and confirmed that Horner remains unsettled. "He’s still in shock," Ecclestone remarked. "But he will gradually come to terms with it and realize there are other pursuits in life."

      "I made it clear to my associates there that they were too tough on Christian. However, they had no alternative. They made a choice and executed it." Ecclestone also hinted that Horner’s broader ambitions might have been obstructed, potentially leading to the issue. "What he truly desired from Red Bull was to have a stake in the team, to be a part owner. Unless he finds someone willing to do that, I can't envision him returning. I don't believe Christian will make a comeback to Formula 1. He probably doesn’t wish to."

      Horner has been loosely associated with Cadillac and Ferrari, but those opportunities seem closed off, especially with Frederic Vasseur remaining at Maranello. The most persistent rumor involves a potential buy-in at Alpine, featuring Ecclestone himself and Flavio Briatore. When questioned about the Alpine speculation, Ecclestone chuckled: "Lewis is more likely to secure an eighth title than that."

      One person not lamenting Horner’s exit is McLaren CEO Zak Brown, who told De Telegraaf that F1 is in a healthier position without him. "I definitely think the competition is becoming stronger now," Brown stated. "Naturally, there are always political elements within this sport, but I think it sometimes escalated too far in the past."

      "Some accusations regarding our car crossed a line," he further stated. "I'm eager to compete with and against Red Bull again, just like we do with Ferrari and Mercedes, in a more collaborative manner."

      "I think it’s vital for the well-being of the sport that we can cooperate. That’s not guaranteed, but it is crucial when discussing certain issues, so we don’t perceive them as political tools. I believe we are all in a better place now." Nonetheless, Brown has not entirely dismissed the idea of a Horner return: "He's young, he's a driver, and he has an impressive background."