Horner - I still have goals to achieve in Formula 1.

      "I would like to be a partner, rather than merely a hired hand."

      Christian Horner has publicly addressed his recent departure from Red Bull for the first time, stating that he is keen on a return to Formula 1, but only on his own conditions. At the European Motor Show in Dublin, Horner expressed that he feels his journey in F1 is not yet finished. "I believe I have unfinished business in Formula 1," he remarked. "It did not conclude in the way I had hoped." He went on to emphasize that he would only return for a winning opportunity. "I have no interest in a symbolic or advisory role," he stated. "I don’t want to return to the paddock unless I have something meaningful to do. I would prefer to be a partner, not just a hired hand."

      Reflecting on his extensive tenure at Red Bull, where he led for over twenty years, the 52-year-old shared, "I had 21 amazing years in Formula 1. I had a great experience, winning many races and championships while collaborating with remarkable drivers, engineers, and partners. I don’t have to return; I could end my career now. Therefore, I would only come back for the right opportunity."

      Horner also addressed the numerous speculations about his potential connections with various teams following his exit. "This is the first time I have actually spoken to anyone since leaving Red Bull," he mentioned. "In the media, it seems I have been linked to every single team—from the back of the grid to the front. There is definitely an interest in my next steps, which is quite flattering."

      However, he downplayed the likelihood of any immediate moves. "The reality is that I cannot do anything until spring anyway," Horner noted. "I’m not in a hurry. I don’t need to rush into anything." Recently, he has been closely associated with a possible move to Alpine, where Otro Capital owns a 24 percent share alongside majority stakeholder Renault. Additionally, he has been linked to broader strategic discussions in the sport after meeting FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem in Paris last week.

      For now, Horner insists that patience will dictate his next move. "I would only return for the right opportunity," he concluded. "We’ll see how it unfolds."