FERRARI COULD MAKE UNTHINKABLE MOVE, REPLACE VASSEUR WITH HORNER
Ferrari is considering a shock move for former Red Bull boss Christian Horner to replace Fred Vasseur in 2026. Reports suggest they may even establish a UK technical centre to lure the Briton.
As the Briton looks to return to the paddock in 2026, Ferrari is considering Christian Horner, the fired Red Bull team principal, as a possible replacement for Fred Vasseur.
Following the completion of his departure from Red Bull in September, Horner is now formally free to begin talks with any suitors. Although they had to negotiate the termination of his contract through 2030, the Milton Keynes team relieved the 51-year-old of his operational responsibilities in June.
After 20 years leading the staff for the Austrian energy drink company, he will now take a gardening leave of absence. However, as part of his reduced severance payout, Red Bull consented to allow Horner to rejoin Formula One in early 2026. John Elkann, the chairman of Ferrari, has therefore taken notice of Horner.
According to reports, Elkann is thinking about hiring Horner even though Ferrari signed Vasseur to a new deal through 2027 this July. Ferrari has failed to win a Grand Prix this season, and the Scuderia's ongoing problems in the 2025 season have put the Frenchman in a precarious position once more.
To persuade Christian Horner to come, Ferrari might set up a technology centre in the UK.
However, it is far from likely that the Leamington Spa native would consent to take over at Maranello, even though Ferrari is seeking Horner because Elkann has lost faith in Vasseur. According to a report by Funo Analisi Tecnica, Ferrari would consider going to extreme measures to entice Horner.
The Briton's unwillingness to leave England, which his family, including wife Geri Halliwell, would not be too happy about, is one of the main obstacles in Ferrari's route to hiring Horner. In order to accommodate Horner, Ferrari might think about setting up a new technical centre in the UK.
Since 1997, Ferrari has not maintained a facility in the UK, and at that time, it did not benefit much from it. However, technological advancements over the last three decades could make it a more lucrative venture, particularly if Elkann can secure his long-term aim in the UK.
With a base in the so-called Motorsport Valley, Horner may not be the first newcomer Ferrari signs. A UK site might help the Scuderia expand its ranks beyond the leader at the very top, although Ferrari may find it difficult to persuade some employees to relocate to Italy.
For a UK plant to be successful for Ferrari, Elkann would need to make a large financial investment. However, the chairman of Scuderia can counter that Horner's leadership might help boost the brand's worth at the base. But it probably would not be a success story right away.
In 1997, Ferrari closed its last design centre in England.
In the 1980s, Ferrari first considered setting up a technological centre in England, with a base in Guildford, to recruit John Barnard, who was hesitant to move to Italy. Enzo Ferrari also believed in it, but it was difficult to communicate between Guildford and Maranello.
Under the direction of Luca di Montezemolo, the Scuderia also attempted to establish a facility in the UK in 1993, with a design and development base situated near Shalford. However, Ferrari returned to operating every aspect of their team out of Maranello in 1997, ending that base's existence.
Horner may be able to make a UK site work for Ferrari more than the Scuderia's other efforts, nearly thirty years later. However, the likelihood that it is the final straw Elkann needs to persuade Horner to take Vasseur's post at Ferrari is slim and costly.
GEORGE RUSSELL ADMITS ANTONELLI IS "EXCEPTIONALLY QUICK" BUT REFUSES TO CONCEDE TITLE
Kimi Antonelli secured his 3rd straight F1 win in Miami, leaving George Russell 43 seconds behind and 20 points down in the title race. (130 chars)
George Russell isn’t flinching. He’s not ready to let go of the story, even as Kimi Antonelli keeps grabbing headlines. Antonelli’s been tearing it up this season – three straight wins, all from pole – and it’s got people talking. Miami was rough for Russell; he finished fourth, over 43 seconds behind Antonelli. That gap isn’t just big; it’s glaring, and it’s putting some real heat on their rivalry at Mercedes.
Russell isn’t pretending things are fine, but he’s not throwing in the towel either. He gets what Antonelli’s doing and gives props where they’re deserved. “He’s a fantastic driver, and he’s been fast since day one,” Russell said. “You don’t win all those championships as a kid if you’re not quick.” He means it, but he’s also drawing a boundary. Russell still believes in himself, and he’s not giving up on the championship.
“I’ve still got confidence in myself, and I haven’t forgotten how to drive,” he said with a little smile. “It’s just a tricky patch, but we’re only four races in; there’s a lot more to come. We’ll sort things out over the next few weeks.”
That “tricky patch” doesn’t just mean some tough luck; it includes a 20-point deficit and a teammate who won’t stop rewriting history. Antonelli’s winning streak has changed the vibe at Mercedes, at least for now.
Russell knows all about momentum and how it doesn’t always stick around. “He’s got momentum right now; he’s flying,” Russell admitted. “But I’ve won championships myself, and I know momentum swings back and forth all year.” He actually doesn’t seem bothered by the points gap. “Honestly, I’m not even thinking about it,” he said.
It’s a calm answer from a guy who’s been here before, leaning on experience while Antonelli rides his hot streak. Russell keeps saying 'big picture, patience, not panic'.
“I just want to get back on top of the podium,” he said. “I had the pace for the first three races, but this weekend I was nowhere close. It could have gone very differently these last few weeks, and this weekend could’ve just been a blip. But some races in Japan and China didn’t go my way. That’s how F1 goes sometimes.”
Still, confidence doesn’t erase a 20-point gap, not if Antonelli keeps cruising. If Antonelli keeps piling up wins, Russell’s going to have to fight more than just the stopwatch. Losing to your teammate over and over starts to mess with your head. Russell began the season as the guy to beat, but the longer this keeps up, the tougher it gets to grab hold of the story again.
He’s holding firm, for now. But F1 doesn’t wait for anyone. What does Russell call “just a tricky run”? Well, if momentum doesn’t swing his way soon, it could become a whole lot more than that.
MAX VERSTAPPEN TAKES FRONT ROW IN MIAMI AS RED BULL UPGRADES DELIVER IMMEDIATE RESULTS
Charles Leclerc admitted surprise at Red Bull's pace after Max Verstappen finished P2, just 0.166s behind Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli.
Charles Leclerc expected Red Bull to bounce back, but he couldn’t help admiring Max Verstappen’s raw speed at the Miami Grand Prix.
Red Bull rolled into Miami with a big upgrade, looking to recover after a rough start to the season. Verstappen, a four-time world champ, landed his Red Bull in second during qualifying. He was only 0.166 seconds behind Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s Mercedes, nearly snatching pole. After qualifying, Verstappen said he finally feels like he’s back in control of his car.
Leclerc was impressed by the turnaround. “Honestly, it’s not shocking to see Kimi up there. Mercedes has been the quickest team this year, and Kimi’s been amazing these last few races,” Leclerc said. “But Max and Red Bull are coming back like this? That’s a bit more surprising. The upgrades clearly worked, and you can’t forget how strong that team really is. You never expect them to just sit back and accept a slow start.”
He added, “We figured they’d come back swinging, but to see them right back on the front row after struggling at the start… that’s something else. It’s pretty remarkable. Still, my job’s the same: beat those guys. That’s where my head’s at right now.”
Leclerc had to settle for third on the grid for Sunday’s race. Ferrari looked strong early in qualifying, but their hopes faded by Q3.
He talked about the changing conditions, but didn’t think that’s what hurt Ferrari. “The wind definitely played a part, but track temperature wasn’t all that different, so I don’t think that’s the reason,” he said. “Maybe the track changed, and we didn’t see it coming, or maybe pushing harder today in qualifying just made our car’s weak spots stand out more.”
Leclerc admitted he hadn’t dug into the numbers yet; he’d just gotten out of the car. “We’ll have to check the details to figure out exactly where we lost time.”
