Christian Horner REJECTED an offer from Ferrari to replace Mattia Binotto as team principal – with the Red Bull chief not interested in a change of scenery… clearing the way for Fred Vasseur to take on Formula One’s poisoned chalice
Christian Horner rejected the chance to become team principal of Ferrari, leaving the way clear on Tuesday for Frenchman Fred Vasseur to pick up Formula One’s most poisoned chalice.
Sportsmail can confirm Red Bull boss Horner was approached by the Scuderia, who were keen to lever him away from the reigning world championship team he has run since 2005, to replace Mattia Binotto who ‘resigned’ last month. Although the Englishman is the sport’s longest-serving team principal he did not fancy a change of scene, certainly not at Ferrari’s Maranello HQ.
A source close to the discussions said: ‘There is too much politics below the surface at Ferrari. Too many egos. If someone starts succeeding, someone else pulls him down.’
Christian Horner rejected chance to become Ferrari team principal, Sportsmail can confirm
Horner last week welcomed 30-year-old Red Bull company heir Mark Mateschitz — who inherited his father Dietrich’s £25billion fortune when he died in October — to the factory in Milton Keynes as they planned the future.
Vasseur was announced on Tuesday morning as the new Ferrari team principal. He moves from Sauber, where results gave no hint he would be high on any big team’s wanted list.
The appointment strengthens No 1 driver Charles Leclerc, who developed a good relationship with the engineer, 54, when he drove for him in GP3 and Formula Two.
Horner’s rejection paved the way for Fred Vasseur to take Formula One’s poisoned chalice
Ferrari were in need of a new team principal following the resignation of Mattia Binotto
Vasseur, the Scuderia’s first non-Italian boss since 2007, takes over on January 9, charged with putting an end to their strategy flaws on and off track.
McLaren’s Andreas Seidl slides over to take up the vacated position at Sauber, albeit in a super-charged role to oversee Audi’s entry there in 2026.
Seidl will be replaced by Italian Andrea Stella, executive racing director at McLaren since 2019.
