After nearly two decades with the team, Horner is currently on gardening leave, which runs through the end of 2025. This means he will be free to join another F1 outfit for the 2026 season—just as the sport enters a new era of regulations.

Horner’s sudden departure leaves a gap in the market for experienced team leadership, and several top teams are reportedly weighing their options. He has kept a low profile since leaving Red Bull, telling colleagues he will use the time to reflect and spend time with family, but the rumor mill is already in overdrive.

Alpine and Ferrari: The Most Likely Landing Spots

Alpine and Ferrari have emerged as the two most likely destinations for Horner. Alpine, still searching for stability after recent management shake-ups, has an open team principal role and a technical staff that already includes several former Red Bull colleagues.

Ferrari, meanwhile, has long been linked with Horner. The Italian giants are rumored to view him as an attractive candidate to lead their next chapter, especially with the arrival of new regulations and a high-profile driver pairing of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.

Ferrari chairman John Elkann previously tried to lure Horner to Maranello, and the team’s interest has reportedly not waned. However, any move would likely require Horner to be given significant control over operations—something that is not always guaranteed at Ferrari, where tradition and internal politics can complicate leadership changes.

Despite speculation, Ferrari’s current boss Frederic Vasseur retains public backing from both the team and Hamilton, which could delay or complicate any approach for Horner.

Other Options Appear Limited

Elsewhere, most top F1 teams are settled in their leadership. McLaren and Mercedes are committed to their current principals, Williams is building around James Vowles, and Sauber (Audi) has Jonathan Wheatley in place. Aston Martin, under Lawrence Stroll, has recently appointed Andy Cowell, making a near-term change unlikely.

There’s also ongoing chatter about Horner potentially moving into a broader role, such as with Formula 1 management or the FIA, but for now, the team principal route seems most likely.

With Horner’s gardening leave in effect, no announcement is expected until the end of the year. As the 2026 season approaches and teams prepare for sweeping technical changes, the question of where Horner resurfaces will remain one of the sport’s biggest off-track stories.