Chris Horner appeared to aim a subtle jab at Red Bull by pointing out that one of the few things still working well on the RB22 is its engine—a project he strongly supported during the final years of his time in Milton Keynes.
Horner’s shadow looms over Red Bull at Silverstone
It has been a difficult period for Red Bull. Max Verstappen’s second-place finish in Austria did little to calm tensions within the team, as the Dutchman had certainly not forgotten the technical issue that ruined his final qualifying run during his home Grand Prix weekend.
With the four-time World Champion unwilling to tolerate the same mistakes being repeated, his frustration reportedly boiled over after retiring from the British Grand Prix at Silverstone following yet another rear wing failure.
Adding another layer to the story was the presence of Chris Horner, who was dismissed by Red Bull a year ago following allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards an employee—a case that was later resolved through a substantial financial settlement—and, above all, because of the disappointing results achieved during the first half of the 2025 Formula 1 season.
Since leaving the team, the British manager has largely avoided speaking publicly about Red Bull, keeping media appearances and visits to Formula 1 circuits to a minimum. Silverstone, however, proved to be an exception, and Horner could not resist making a pointed remark about the current situation at Milton Keynes.
Horner’s comments
“I find this engine incredible.”
Those four words, reported by AUTOHebdo, carried considerable weight when directed at his former team. It was Horner, after all, who strongly pushed for Red Bull to develop its own power unit in partnership with Ford, ultimately ending negotiations with Porsche when a deal appeared to be on the verge of completion.
Now that the internal combustion engine has been recognised by the FIA as the benchmark in Formula 1, Horner appeared keen to highlight the success of the project with a knowing smile. Ironically, that same power unit will also prevent Red Bull from receiving any ADUO development tokens for its 2026 Formula 1 car.
“People sometimes forget the scale of this achievement, and now it seems the engine is considered the best. I’m extremely proud of it,” he added.
His Formula 1 future
Christian Horner has repeatedly made it clear that he intends to return to Formula 1—but only if the right opportunity arises.
Having already enjoyed extraordinary success as a team principal, winning eight Drivers’ Championships and six Constructors’ Championships—all of Red Bull’s Formula 1 titles—he is now looking for a new challenge.
It is expected to be a project that is both sporting and financially attractive. Alpine initially appeared to be the most likely destination, potentially through the acquisition of the 24% stake held by Otro Capital. However, last month Renault Group CEO François Provost stated that there were no discussions taking place with Horner.
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