---
title: "Christian Horner says he is ‘at peace’ if he never returns to F1"
canonical: "https://readmotorsport.com/2026/10/19/christian-horner-at-peace-f1-return-red-bull/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Gary Gowers"
section: "F1 News"
published: "2026-10-19T09:36:52Z"
modified: "2026-10-19T09:36:53Z"
---

# Christian Horner says he is ‘at peace’ if he never returns to F1

**Christian Horner says he would be “at peace” if he never returns to F1 following the end of his 20-year spell in charge of Red Bull.**

The 52-year-old has been linked with several routes back into the paddock since leaving Red Bull in July 2025, including speculation surrounding Ferrari. Horner insists he does not know what comes next and is no longer looking for another F1 job simply for the sake of returning.

“What excites me most is what is the next chapter going to be and, honestly, I have no idea,” Horner said during the opening date of his *Drive* book tour.

“If my time is done in Formula One, I’ve had a hell of a ride, and I did OK. If the right thing comes up to go back, I go back. But I am at peace in myself that if it doesn’t, I don’t have to.”

## Horner plays down F1 return talk

Horner has previously said any return to [Formula 1](https://readmotorsport.com/) would need to offer something different from another conventional team principal role, with the possibility of an ownership stake among his considerations.

Ferrari has featured prominently in speculation over his future, but Horner has denied saying the Italian team was his “dream” destination or that he was putting himself forward to replace Fred Vasseur.

His former team remains close to him. Red Bull have won the past two Grands Prix in Malaysia and Singapore with the power unit operation Horner helped establish before his departure.

Horner regards the project as one of the biggest achievements of his time at Red Bull. The team built its engine facility in Milton Keynes and recruited heavily as it prepared to become a power-unit manufacturer for the new regulations introduced this season.

“For that engine to go out and be judged to be the most performant engine in Formula 1 in its debut year and win on its 16th attempt, arguably, I see that as one of my biggest achievements during my time at Red Bull,” he said in a separate interview with *[The Race](https://www.the-race.com/)*.

Horner said Red Bull’s shareholders subsequently contacted him to acknowledge his contribution to the project. Oliver Mintzlaff, with whom Horner had a difficult relationship towards the end of his time at the team, also called him following the Singapore victory.

“Oliver Mintzlaff very graciously called me after the race in Singapore to thank me for what I’ve put together and what they’ve gone on to achieve,” Horner said.

Horner led Red Bull from its first F1 season in 2005 until July 2025, overseeing six constructors’ championships and eight drivers’ titles.

***Follow the latest* [*Formula 1 news and analysis on Read Motorsport*](https://readmotorsport.com/)*.***