Christian Horner ‘noticeably’ refused to answer one question about Ferrari links at the Spanish Grand Prix

Christian Horner’s future as Red Bull team principal has been thrown into uncertainty ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix.

The 51-year-old has been the leading figure at the Milton Keynes outfit for two decades. Horner has guided the team to incredible heights since their F1 debut in 2005 at the Australian Grand Prix.

Red Bull have won eight drivers’ titles and six constructors’ championships in 20 seasons in the sport. Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel won four consecutive titles with the team, with the former looking to match Michael Schumacher’s record of five championships in a row in 2025.

But the Dutchman faces a difficult challenge this season, as McLaren look to have established a clear advantage over the field. Horner is trying to destabilise McLaren behind the scenes and force them into mistakes, but Red Bull’s structural changes over recent months may prove costly.

Adrian Newey is having a huge impact at Aston Martin, while Jonathan Wheatley is building up Sauber for Audi’s arrival in 2026 and Rob Marshall has been pivotal for McLaren’s development. These key departures have prompted speculation that Horner could also step aside at Red Bull.

Christian Horner refused to answer questions about talks with Ferrari at the Spanish Grand Prix

Reports from German media stated that Ferrari had casually approached Horner about potentially becoming their team principal. John Elkann is reportedly unhappy with the team’s performance, with pressure mounting on Frederic Vasseur to find performance.

Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton are struggling with the SF-25, with Ferrari only grabbing two podiums thus far in 2025. Horner rejected Ferrari’s approach, pledging his loyalty to Red Bull, but the topic remained on everyone’s mind at the Spanish Grand Prix.

Speaking via RacingNews365, journalist Ian Parkes noted that while Horner said he was ‘100% committed to Red Bull’, he ‘noticeably’ refused to answer questions about whether he had held talks with Ferrari.

“The one thing that Christian didn’t answer that was asked was: ‘Have you had any talks with Ferrari?’ said Parkes.

“He noticeably didn’t answer that particular part of the question. However, he did say he is 100% committed to Red Bull and for the long term.

“So, let’s take him at his word. Christian has been with Red Bull for two decades now, long-serving, very loyal employee.”

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Max Verstappen’s future at Red Bull is also uncertain for 2026

As Horner’s future at Red Bull is brought into question, speculation continues to spiral about his star driver and whether he will be out of the team come 2026.

Verstappen has an exit clause in his contract, which will allow him to leave before his deal expires in 2028. Details emerged at the Spanish GP that the Dutchman can leave Red Bull in 2026, if he so desires, if he is not in the top three of the standings – he is currently sitting third.

Mercedes and Aston Martin have been linked with Verstappen as they try to lure him to their respective projects for 2026. F1 fans want Verstappen to join Aston Martin and reunite with Newey and Honda at Silverstone.

Ferrari are ‘not pursuing’ Verstappen as they are happy with Leclerc and Hamilton. But the Maranello outfit could have a door open in 2027 if Hamilton decides not to extend his contract.