Overview

• Multiple outlets report Red Bull reached an out-of-court settlement paying the former assistant about £3 million in exchange for dropping her accusations, halting a case that had been slated for early 2026.
• An earlier independent investigation commissioned by Red Bull did not substantiate the claims, though an anonymous leak of files had intensified scrutiny across the paddock.
• Horner is actively exploring a comeback and has contacted teams, with Haas confirming an approach that did not lead to an agreement and media linking him to Alpine and Aston Martin.
• Several reports describe a clause that could bar him from paddock access or team employment until May 2027, while another report suggests a potential earlier return from May, indicating uncertainty over the timing.
• Commentary says Horner is seeking ownership-level influence similar to Toto Wolff’s model and notes current teams’ resistance to a twelfth entry, with Toto Wolff acknowledging his impact as Aston Martin’s Andy Cowell says Horner has been calling team owners.