The 52-year-old was sacked from his role as CEO and team principal following the 2025 British Grand Prix, after 20 years.

His departure came after months of declining form, an internal power struggle, and 17 months after allegations of sexual harassment and coercive, controlling behaviour were made against him by a female colleague.

In an interview with The Athletic, Mr Horner described being called to a meeting in London the day after the British Grand Prix.

He said: "I didn’t have the inkling it was going to be dealt with so abruptly."

Mr Horner said he was told Red Bull wanted to "go in a different direction," with the only additional explanation being that the team had become "more Christian Horner Racing than Red Bull Racing."

He was replaced by Laurent Mekies, who was promoted from Red Bull's sister team, Racing Bulls.

Since his departure, rumours have circulated about a possible return to Formula 1, with links to Ferrari, Alpine, Aston Martin, and Chinese manufacturer BYD.

However, Mr Horner appeared uncertain about returning to the sport.

He said: "I’m not sure I do, in all honesty.

"For me, it would have to be a really exciting project.

"It wouldn’t just be for anything."

In a separate interview with The Times, Mr Horner said a "dream" role at Ferrari would be the only job that could tempt him back into F1 without an ownership stake.