Former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher has criticised Christian Horner’s “embarrassing” admission that leading Ferrari would be “the dream”.
Former Red Bull boss Christian Horner was fired from his position in the team over a year ago, but has been linked with multiple teams for a potential return.
Horner’s requirements for a new position in F1 apparently include owning shares in the team that he joins – but he would make an exception for Ferrari.
“At this stage in my life, there’s only one team for which I would accept non-participation in ownership,” Horner said to The Times.
“Would I consider Ferrari? I mean, Ferrari is the biggest brand in Formula 1. It’s the dream. And arguably, it’s the sleeping giant of Formula 1.”
Horner’s public Ferrari flirting is “embarrassing”, says Ralf Schumacher
But Schumacher, speaking to Sky Germany’s Backstage Boxengase podcast, suggested that Horner’s comments show a fall from grace for the 52-year-old.
“To curry favour like that, that’s embarrassing enough. He constantly links himself to all kinds of teams,” he said.
“He more or less says himself: apparently I’m immediately a candidate to become team boss at any team as soon as a spot opens up somewhere.
“If he was actually interested or if there was interest from Ferrari, then you wouldn’t do it that way. Therefore, this is simply an indictment of poverty. I don’t understand it.
“It’s still funny, but also a shame. He was such a successful man and now he only tells stories like that.”
If Ferrari did eventually decide to part with current team principal Fred Vasseur, Schumacher backs former McLaren boss and fellow countryman Andreas Seidl for the job.
“Andreas Seidl would be a great alternative for Ferrari in terms of character,” he said.
“Andreas is also someone whose character would be able to tell the two drivers how he imagines it. He would also pick the team up in a different way.
“He would be a good choice for Ferrari if Fred Vasseur is even up for discussion.”
Ferrari has “full confidence” in Vasseur’s leadership
There has been recent speculation about Vasseur’s future at the Scuderia, with Horner’s comments only fuelling the fire. However, Ferrari have publicly maintained their confidence in Vasseur and have not given any reason to await his departure.
“It is not just related to the story in The Times of Mr, Horner, but in general, there is a lot of speculation about Fred,” chief communication officer Maria Conti said on Tuesday.
“We have confidence in Fred Vasseur and in his team, and we continue to do so. And the position is clear, but not just now. We already confirmed in the past.”
“I repeat that Ferrari position is clear and does not change. So if I’m here because I’m officially saying, I’ve not Benedetto [Vigna] and John [Elkann] with me, but I’m of course aligned with the top management and Ferrari has made its choices.
“So there is confidence in Fred Vasser and his team. Nothing has changed, and we continue to do so. That’s it.”
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