Haas boss Ayao Komatsu has revealed that Christian Horner has approached the American Formula 1 squad about a potential role.
The 51-year-old is now effectively a free man after reaching a financial settlement with Red Bull, releasing him from the Milton Keynes-based outfit.
Despite the settlement being one of highest in sports history, Horner reportedly took less money in the agreement in order to pursue interests elsewhere earlier.
This triggered speculation, that was already rife, about where Horner may look to ply his experience, with Alpine frequently touted as a potential destination.
Haas’ name was the latest to roll out of the rumour mill this week, with the Daily Mail reporting Horner was now holding an interest in a role within the team.
Speaking to media including Motorsport Week ahead of this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix, Komatsu corroborated the report, confirming Horner had made contact.
“It’s true that he approached us and one of our guys had an exploratory, let’s say, talk,” he said.
“But that was it. Nothing’s going any further. I’ve got nothing more to say on that one.”
Horner was often linked with Ferrari, even during his tenure with Red Bull, and long before any of the allegations made against him – of which he was cleared – lit the touchpaper that triggered the air of untenability around his position.
This was recommenced after his firing from Red Bull after the British Grand Prix, but Alpine was often touted due to his friendship with Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore.
Haas, like Alpine, would provide Horner with personal stability in the sense that, due to its Silverstone base, he would be able to hold a role in the team without relocating outside of the UK.
Additional speculation has seen Horner linked with looking to establish a team of his own, with F1’s current rules stipulating that one more team would be free to occupy a place on the grid, subject to approval.
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