Sky Sports F1 pundit Martin Brundle has fuelled fresh speculation over the future of Christian Horner, with reports suggesting the long-time Red Bull boss could soon agree a sensational return to Formula 1 with a new team.
Horner’s future has remained one of the biggest talking points in the paddock since his departure from Red Bull Racing in 2025 after more than two decades leading the Milton Keynes-based outfit. Since then, several teams and manufacturers have reportedly explored the possibility of bringing the experienced team boss back into the sports
According to recent reports, Brundle believes Horner is unlikely to stay away from Formula 1 for long, especially with growing interest from ambitious projects looking to strengthen their leadership ahead of the new era of regulations. Teams such as Alpine F1 Team, Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team and even Audi-linked projects have all been connected with the Briton in recent months.
Brundle reportedly suggested that Horner’s return would likely involve more than a standard team principal role, with the former Red Bull chief believed to be seeking a stake or long-term influence within whichever organisation he joins next.
The rumours intensified further after Chinese automotive giant BYD was linked with a possible Formula 1 entry, with Horner said to have held discussions over a future collaboration. Reports claim the company is exploring several routes into the championship, including partnering with an existing team or launching an entirely new project.
While no official contract has yet been confirmed, Brundle’s comments have added significant weight to the speculation surrounding Horner’s next move. The former F1 driver has repeatedly hinted that Horner remains highly valued within the sport because of the success he achieved at Red Bull, where he guided the team to multiple world championships with drivers including Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen.
If Horner does complete a return to the paddock, it could become one of the biggest managerial signings in modern Formula 1 history, especially with the sport entering a major new technical era in 2026.