Overview
- McLaren CEO Zak Brown told The Telegraph that Horner became "arrogant" and "changed" with Drive to Survive fame, also citing Red Bull’s late-2024 tyre-water allegation against McLaren that the FIA found unsubstantiated.
- Horner was replaced by Laurent Mekies on 9 July 2025 and formally exited Red Bull on 22 September after a settlement that, per Motorsport.com, would permit a 2026 return if he secures a role.
- Bernie Ecclestone dismissed talk of an Aston Martin buy-in with Horner but said he "wouldn’t rule out Ferrari," describing the Scuderia as chaotic in comments reported by Blick.
- Speculation around destinations persists: Ferrari links endure despite Frederic Vasseur’s new deal, Alpine is viewed as possible, Haas talks have not advanced, and Williams, Cadillac and Aston Martin have ruled him out.
- Some reports say Horner wants significant power or equity in any comeback, and unconfirmed claims suggest he has explored scenarios with F1 and FIA leadership, including a potential new-team route.