Beneath the Texas sun, a gossip storm is brewing as the Formula 1 circus lands at the iconic Circuit of the Americas in Austin for the United States Grand Prix, and with it comes a whirlwind of rumours ready to shake the paddock hard. ‘Horner to Ferrari?’ is the catchphrase echoing through the pits, as speculation swirls around Christian Horner’s next move amidst the usual heat and stress of a Grand Prix weekend.
You might recall that back in April, I was suggesting that a general sense of unhappiness lingered over the Red Bull garages. Then, in May this year, when Christian Horner appeared to still be firmly in control, the German newspaper Bild reported that Ferrari had initiated informal contact with him. This rumour quickly circulated throughout the paddock, prompting Horner to reaffirm his total loyalty and commitment to Red Bull publicly. He emphasised that he remained entirely dedicated to the team’s ongoing success and highlighted his central role in the winning project he had helped to build and sustain over the past two decades. Huzzah, said everyone, (not).
Imagine how surprised we all were when several Dutch media outlets suggested that it was actually Horner himself who had intentionally leaked this story to the press. According to those reports, he had become increasingly aware that his Red Bull career path had strayed into a political minefield. Then, on July 9, came the unexpected announcement of Horner’s dismissal from Red Bull. Surprised certainly; unexpected, however, would be too strong a word, given speculation regarding his possible F1 roles in the future.
At that time, there was still the unresolved issue of the harassment allegations against Christian Horner, a case that would not reach court until January 2026, following a lawsuit filed by a former Red Bull employee. Five days ago, however, reports emerged confirming that the case had been closed after a financial settlement was reached between the involved parties, effectively bringing the legal proceedings to an end. Whether the financial elements had been part of Horner’s separation deal or not was not disclosed.
No sooner said than the rumour factory opened its doors again, with the latest report coming from F1 journalist Ralf Bach citing unnamed “internal sources” as the origin of this alleged renewed interest from Maranello. Several points, however, don’t add up.
Why, for example, would Ferrari sign a long-term contract with team principal Freddy Vasseur halfway through the season, and then tear it up? Their downside would be at least £80+m, a figure equivalent to Ferrari’s entire 2023 aerodynamic development budget, making this a financial pitfall that even the most ambitious F1 team might think twice about. The Frenchman’s development input, rebuild strategy, and proposals for creating a new level of Ferrari consistency from drawing board to podium were always considered long-term by the team. Of course, F1 contracts are regularly torn up, but Ferrari replacing Vasseur barely two months after renewing his deal? I don’t think so.
Naturally, John Elkann and CEO Benedetto Vigna have repeatedly expressed their total confidence in Vasseur’s leadership and unwavering support for his long-term vision for the team’s progress. They have also highlighted the reality that building a strong technical organisation in Formula 1 requires time and patience. If Ferrari’s senior management had harboured any doubts about Vasseur’s ability to lead the team, they would have delayed his renewal. Instead, by signing the new agreement, they demonstrated faith in a long-term plan that clearly looks beyond the immediate results of the 2025 campaign.
Secondly, Horner has been on Gardening Leave, which is essentially a standard non-compete period preventing him from joining a rival team or interacting with key contacts for a certain duration. This period is usually no longer than six months to avoid potential legal issues related to restraint-of-trade. Therefore, January 2026 is likely the earliest he could be available, aligning with the start of trials for new technical rules. Alternatively, the 4th race in April or the British Grand Prix might be the first opportunity for Horner’s return.
Thirdly, and perhaps I’m being picky, but realistically, how would Christian Horner and Frédéric Vasseur coexist? Even if Ferrari divided their responsibilities (Christian Horner, CEO and Fred Vasseur remaining as team principal?), there is nothing in Horner’s history to suggest that is how he operates. At Red Bull, he was accustomed to exercising broad authority, often making key decisions independently. He controlled the majority of the motor racing operation and had also taken control of some of the vertically-connected operations, such as development, marketing, communications, and even public relations. This made him the clear and unchallenged figurehead of the team. By contrast, Frédéric Vasseur has also built a reputation as a strong and independent leader, known for his hands-on approach and clear management philosophy.
There is, I suppose, the possibility that Horner himself has renewed the rumours. This might indirectly apply pressure on other teams that are currently evaluating leadership changes. Generating speculation about Ferrari may help accelerate negotiations elsewhere, keeping his profile relevant and his perceived market value high. It also serves another purpose.
I might have painted a picture of a serene Freddy, hand on the long-term Ferrari tiller, gliding serenely along the canals of F1-land. In fact, over the past four days, the Italian media landscape has been inundated with reports of internal tension and uncertainty. Under a ‘Stress Signals’ theme, these reports indicate several issues. Rumours of an alleged argument between Vasseur and a member of the technical staff surfaced, but Ferrari swiftly denied these claims. Meanwhile, there is speculation that engineers are dissatisfied following remarks made by Charles Leclerc. Adding to the tension, Chairman John Elkann, who is usually a silent figure, has publicly acknowledged the team’s struggles. This acknowledgement marks a rare and telling sign of the gravity of the situation. Concurrently, names like Oscar Piastri, Gabriel Bortoleto, and Oliver Bearman are being rumoured as potential Ferrari drivers for 2026, highlighting further uncertainty within the team. The existing driver roster isn’t without its friction either. Lewis Hamilton has reportedly submitted a detailed report to the Maranello hierarchy, outlining crucial changes needed for the team’s structure and the development of the 2026 car. Hamilton, on the verge of an unwanted record for most starts with Ferrari without a podium, seems determined to alter this course. Charles Leclerc, often regarded as Ferrari's future, is reportedly growing frustrated. Rumours abound that his manager is discreetly sounding out other teams like McLaren, Mercedes, and Aston Martin. Even Cadillac, which is set to make its F1 debut next year, is reportedly showing interest. Could a significant driver shake-up be on the horizon if Ferrari can’t turn the tide?
Meanwhile, in the McLaren garage, the team is dealing with a very different kind of intensity: an epic intra-team championship battle! Oscar Piastri currently holds a wafer-thin lead over teammate Lando Norris in the Drivers’ Championship. After a close-call incident in Singapore that had both drivers (and team principal Zak Brown) holding their breath, all eyes will be on the papaya duo in Austin. Can they keep it clean when every point counts? The fight for the title is reaching fever pitch, and McLaren management will be working overtime to ensure the rivalry doesn’t boil over.
One would also be making a colossal mistake if one forgot Max Verstappen, the reigning F1 Champion. Despite McLaren’s recent dominance, the Red Bull ace has been showcasing his formidable abilities and is chipping away at the championship gap. Verstappen is a three-time winner at COTA, and his track record suggests he’ll be a significant threat this weekend.
Adding another layer of challenge to the weekend is the weather. Forecasts predict scorching temperatures, which may lead to another ‘Heat Hazard’ declaration by the FIA, similar to Singapore, and bring driver cooling and safety discussions to the forefront. Reflecting on past heat-management failures, such as the thermal drama witnessed in Qatar 2023, anticipation grows as fans and teams alike wonder how this weekend’s conditions might shake up strategies and impact performance. With these precedents in mind, the forecast becomes a strategic wildcard, making the race even more unpredictable and exciting.
Beyond the racing action, the driver market continues to simmer. In a surprising turn of events, Irish F2 talent Alex Dunne has reportedly exited the McLaren Driver Development Programme, allegedly making a switch to Red Bull’s prestigious junior program. Meanwhile, Mick Schumacher is exploring new horizons, with reports indicating he’s set to test an IndyCar for the first time. Could a move to the American open-wheel series be on the cards for the young German?
Don’t forget, Austin is a Sprint weekend, meaning only one practice session before Sprint Qualifying! This compressed format always adds an extra layer of unpredictability and excitement.
With Haas bringing a small upgrade package for their home race, a championship battle at its peak, and a paddock overflowing with drama, the US Grand Prix promises to be an unmissable event!