Christian Horner has been tipped to affix an F1 backmarker workforce somewhat than Ferrari following his shock dismissal by Pink Bull after 20 years in control of the workforce
The prospect of Christian Horner becoming a member of Ferrari has been dismissed for 2 key causes. Horner’s stint as Pink Bull workforce principal got here to an abrupt finish when he was sacked this week, closing a 20-year period throughout which he steered the workforce to 14 world championships.
Dad or mum firm Pink Bull GmbH introduced Horner’s fast launch with out citing a motive. His departure got here 17 months after he was accused by a feminine employees member of “inappropriate behaviour”. Horner at all times denied the claims and was cleared of any wrongdoing following two investigations.
Horner, 51, is extensively anticipated to return to the F1 paddock at some stage, with a possible blockbuster transfer to Ferrari being rumoured. Horner’s identify has beforehand been linked with the enduring Italian outfit, with firm chairman Ferrari chairman John Elkann approaching him in 2022.
Nevertheless, Ferrari appointed Fred Vasseur as their workforce chief, who now faces intense scrutiny because of the squad’s lacklustre efficiency up to now this season. That led to Horner-to-Ferrari hypothesis resurfacing earlier this summer season.
Nevertheless, Sky Sports activities pundit and ex-F1 driver Karun Chandhok has cited Horner’s obvious reluctance to relocate to Italy and the truth that design guru Adrian Newey will not be becoming a member of him as the explanation why the transfer will not occur.
Ferrari needed Newey following his resolution to give up Pink Bull final 12 months amid growing stress with Horner. However he joined Aston as a managing technical accomplice whereas additionally buying a stake within the Silverstone-based outfit.
Talking on the Sky Sports activities F1 podcast, Chandhok stated: “I feel the mix of Horner and Newey was a way more engaging package deal for Ferrari.”
Chandhok believes a transfer to Alpine, the place Horner’s pal Flavio Briatore runs the workforce as govt advisor, is extra doubtless. He added: “I can see him touchdown at Alpine greater than I can see him touchdown at Ferrari.
“At his stage in life, does he wish to uproot all the things? The commute to Enstone (the place Alpine are based mostly) is just about the identical because the one to Milton Keynes (Pink Bull’s base).”
Sky Sports activities reporter Ted Kravitz may also see Horner becoming a member of Renault-owned Alpine, who sit on the foot of the constructors’ standings. He stated: “Significantly better if he thought Alpine was an choice, one other British-based workforce with Flavio there, with a workforce that is very like Pink Bull.
“Lots of people in Entone are ex-Pink Bull and vice versa. That may be a a lot simpler place for him to go.
“The Ferrari choice, as tempting because it might need been, particularly a couple of months in the past, figuring out what was going to occur (along with his Pink Bull exit)… however I feel he’d already made his thoughts up to not do Ferrari and if Alpine is an choice, that is a significantly better solution to go.”
Sky Sports activities commentator Martin Brundle additionally sees Horner probably becoming a member of Alpine, however instructed he might want extra than simply the function of workforce principal.
He stated: “I feel Christian might be determined to get a stake in a workforce going ahead and have some possession somewhat than be a employed hand. He clearly will not have the ability to try this (possession) at Ferrari, as entertaining as that job is likely to be.”
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