Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll has ended all speculation that Christian Horner could make a Formula 1 comeback with the team in a factory address.
Horner’s dismissal from Red Bull earlier this season sent shockwaves throughout the paddock.
The Briton, who had been at the helm of the Milton Keynes-based squad since its inception in 2005, had been instrumental to the team’s 14 F1 titles so far.
However, an internal “inappropriate behaviour” investigation, last year, quickly spiralled into a political showdown between the upper echelons of the Austrian outfit, eventually leading to the 52-year-old’s departure.
Given Horner’s credentials, however, it was being widely suggested that it was only a matter of time before he made his way back into the paddock.
In fact, it was being reported that the Briton was actively seeking a leadership role within the sport, with Aston Martin being touted as a shock destination for him earlier this month.
With a rumoured rift between Managing Technical Partner Adrian Newey and team boss Andy Cowell brewing, it seemed Stroll Sr. could have been lining up Horner.
Those rumours were laid to rest last week, with Cowell being internally relocated and Newey being named the Silverstone-based team’s Principal from 2026 onwards.
Now, sources suggest that the Canadian business mogul, while unveiling Newey as Team Principal, has categorically told staff that Horner will not be employed by the team.
Newey outlines duties ahead of 2026 debut
One of the major factors leading to Newey’s own departure from Red Bull last year was being touted as a potential falling out with Horner.
But with Horner now not in the running to partner up with the Briton again, the reins to Aston Martin have been exclusively handed over to Newey.
Speaking about how he hopes to transition into his new role, Newey revealed that it would not be changing “my workload” drastically.
“Since I’m going to be doing all the early races anyway, it doesn’t actually particularly change my workload because I’m there anyway,” he had said while addressing Sky Sports F1.
“So I may as well pick up that bit other than, of course, having to talk to you.”
The 66-year-old’s expertise was beckoned by Stroll Sr. to reinforce the team’s technical direction heading into the 2026 regulations overhaul.
Newey insisted that while he will be taking over the team’s management in his new role, his focus is still squarely on designing the latest era of Aston Martin’s F1 challengers.
“That’s really what I want to and need to do [to keep laser focus on the car design],” asserted the former McLaren, Williams and Red Bull man.
“That’s what gets me out of bed in the morning. So I’m determined not to dilute that.”
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