Overview

• Horner’s Red Bull exit came with a reported £80m settlement structured to allow a paddock return as early as 2026, with multiple outlets noting he accepted less to shorten gardening leave.
• New reports say he seeks a shareholding and strong control comparable to Toto Wolff’s role at Mercedes, which narrows viable destinations.
• He has been linked to Alpine, Aston Martin, Haas and Ferrari, though obstacles include existing leadership setups, engine‑supplier politics and owners reluctant to dilute equity.
• The Race reports he is also evaluating launching a 12th team backed by investors, a path that would likely push any entry toward 2028 and require FIA and FOM approval.
• Industry figures are split on specific moves, with Zak Brown praising his record and Guenther Steiner warning an Aston Martin switch would be unworkable given Horner‑Newey tensions reported last year.