Christian Horner’s anticipated arrival at Ferrari could spell trouble for Lewis Hamilton, as reports suggest the former Red Bull boss’s first major decision might reshape the team’s driver lineup. Following his dramatic exit from Red Bull after more than two decades—during which he guided the team to six Constructors’ and eight Drivers’ Championships—Horner has been heavily linked with a swift return to the Formula 1 paddock. Ferrari president John Elkann is reportedly determined to appoint him as team principal, viewing Horner as the ideal figure to restore the Scuderia’s dominance.
Horner’s dismissal from Red Bull, finalized with a $100 million (£74.5 million) settlement, left him free to negotiate with rival teams. Though other outfits such as Aston Martin, Alpine, and Haas have expressed interest, Ferrari remains the most prominent contender. Horner had been linked with the Maranello-based team earlier in the season before Fred Vasseur’s contract renewal temporarily cooled speculation. Now, as Ferrari faces mounting pressure to deliver results, talks of Horner’s potential leadership have intensified once again.
However, his rumored strategy upon taking charge could prove disastrous for Lewis Hamilton. According to the Daily Mail, Horner’s first move might be to lure his former protégé, Max Verstappen, away from Red Bull and into Ferrari’s ranks. Despite Verstappen’s dominance with Red Bull, whispers have persisted about his growing interest in new challenges. If such a transfer were to occur, Horner would likely prioritize Verstappen’s inclusion at the expense of Hamilton rather than Charles Leclerc, who has outperformed the British driver this season.
Hamilton’s debut year at Ferrari has been fraught with disappointment. After his high-profile departure from Mercedes, expectations soared that the seven-time champion would rejuvenate Ferrari’s title hopes. Instead, the 40-year-old has endured a winless campaign and trails his teammate Leclerc by a significant margin in the Drivers’ Championship. With retirement rumors looming, Horner’s potential preference for Verstappen could further jeopardize Hamilton’s standing within the team.
If Horner indeed assumes leadership at Ferrari, his decision-making will likely shape the team’s long-term trajectory—and could accelerate Hamilton’s exit from Formula 1. Bringing Verstappen to Maranello would mark not only a seismic power shift within the sport but also reignite one of the fiercest rivalries in modern racing. What’s seen as a masterstroke for Ferrari’s future could, however, prove to be the final chapter of Hamilton’s storied career.
