What lies around the corner for the in-demand Horner?

Christian Horner has been the figurehead at Red Bull Racing since its inception in 2005. His absence will leave a void at one of Formula One’s frontrunning teams.

- KIERAN JACKSON FORMULA ONE CORRESPONDENT

Horner was relieved of his duties as Red Bull F1 CEO on Wednesday in a shock announcement. The 51-year-old won six constructors’ and eight drivers’ titles with the team but fell out with sections of senior management towards the end of his tenure.

Laurent Mekies, formerly of Ferrari and the FIA, has been promoted from his role of team principal at sister Racing Bulls to replace Horner at the main Red Bull team. Horner is still technically an employee at Red Bull while a substantial payoff is negotiated, given his five-year contract.

But what could be on the horizon next for Horner, who at 51 still has many years ahead of him in the sport he loves? If he wants to remain in F1, that is...

Ferrari

This would be the most high-profile team principal “move” in F1 history. Ferrari chair John Elkann is a known admirer of Horner, and the Englishman was linked to the Scuderia - amid question marks surrounding under-pressure team boss Fred Vasseur - only last month.

“It’s always flattering being associated with other teams, particularly teams like Ferrari,” Horner said of the rumours in June. “But no, I’m not going anywhere ... I’ve been here [Red Bull] 21 years and don’t have any intention of being anywhere else.” But what about now? Much depends on Ferrari’s form in the second half of the season. Vasseur is a man with a point to prove, given that the Scuderia are yet to win a race and star signing Lewis Hamilton has not claimed a podium in his first 12 races.