Could Horner recreate a Red Bull-style dynasty at Aston Martin? Riccardo Patrese weighs in. Riccardo Patrese on rumors of Christian Horner’s possible move to Aston Martin.

Patrese sees a déjà vu

Where will Christian Horner end up in 2026 now that he is officially free from Red Bull Racing? The question is one of the most discussed topics in the Formula 1 paddock, with several possible destinations being mentioned — some highly credible such as Alpine, and others more surprising like Haas.

Among all, Aston Martin seems to be the most appealing “harbor” for Horner’s boat, and Riccardo Patrese admits he feels a sense of déjà vu. “Horner is a good friend, and I believe he’s been treated far too harshly. Private life is private life,” Riccardo Patrese explained in an interview with Escapist Magazine. “Now he has plenty of money and I’m glad he’s enjoying some rest and spending time with his horses.”

Patrese then reflected on the ongoing speculation linking the former Red Bull team principal to Aston Martin: “The rumors about Christian Horner possibly joining Aston Martin remind me of when Michael Schumacher left Benetton for Ferrari. He took all the best people from Benetton to Ferrari to build a winning team and then went on to become a world champion. Ross Brawn, Rory Byrne — all those guys who were with him at Benetton followed him to Ferrari, where they created a team that made him a five-time world champion.”

Riccardo Patrese believes that Formula 1 could soon see history repeating itself. “I predict a similar situation could happen with Max Verstappen,” he added. “Horner could join Aston Martin and rebuild there something similar to what he had at Red Bull — almost like a new version of the same winning structure.”

He also suggested that even the tense relationship between Horner and Jos Verstappen might not be a lasting issue. “Horner and Jos Verstappen don’t have to stay at odds forever,” Riccardo Patrese continued. “If there were the right conditions for Max to join a competitive team capable of winning again, I’m sure Jos would step aside and put old disagreements behind him.”

Riccardo Patrese’s comments have reignited speculation about a possible Aston Martin “super team” built around Horner’s leadership and potentially even featuring Verstappen in the future. With the 2026 regulations promising a major reset for the sport, the prospect of a Red Bull-style structure emerging in green could completely reshape Formula 1’s competitive landscape.