Ferrari’s 2025 season has been a rollercoaster of disappointment, with the Scuderia teetering on the edge of a winless campaign and at risk of slipping to fourth in the constructors’ championship. The Maranello outfit, once synonymous with Formula 1 dominance, has struggled to deliver, leaving fans and insiders alike questioning the team’s direction. At the heart of this storm is Ferrari chairman John Elkann, whose frustration has reached a boiling point. In a stunning outburst, Elkann reportedly declared, “I don’t care if Lewis leaves or not,” signaling a seismic shift in Ferrari’s strategy that could reshape the F1 landscape.
Behind closed doors, whispers in the paddock point to a bold and controversial move: Ferrari’s pursuit of Christian Horner, the Red Bull team principal with 14 world championship titles to his name. Sources suggest that Elkann, described as “emotional and visibly frustrated,” is willing to gamble big to restore Ferrari’s lost glory. Horner, currently on compulsory gardening leave, is the subject of quiet negotiations that could see him take the helm at Maranello. However, this potential deal comes with a steep price—Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari’s newest crown jewel, might walk away if Horner replaces Fred Vasseur, the current team principal to whom Hamilton is fiercely loyal.
The prospect of Horner at Ferrari is more than a leadership change; it’s a potential game-changer for the team’s technical prowess. Insiders hint that Horner’s arrival could unlock a powerful new technical partnership, addressing a gap that has plagued Ferrari for years. While details remain scarce, such a collaboration could bolster Ferrari’s competitiveness, especially with the 2026 regulations looming. The Prancing Horse has struggled to match the pace of rivals like McLaren and Red Bull, and a strategic alliance could provide the edge needed to reclaim the top step.
Yet, the risks are undeniable. Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, joined Ferrari with high expectations, but his loyalty lies with Vasseur, whose contract runs until 2027. Axing Vasseur could prompt Hamilton’s departure, a move that would stun the F1 world and alienate fans. Will Buxton, a prominent F1 commentator, has warned that Hamilton’s exit is a real possibility if Horner is brought on board. For Elkann, this appears to be a calculated trade-off—sacrificing a star driver for a leader with a proven track record of building championship-winning teams.
Ferrari’s recent performance, including a podium drought in the last five races and an “unacceptable” Singapore Grand Prix, has only intensified Elkann’s resolve. The team’s struggles have been compounded by internal pressure, with Elkann meeting CEO Benedetto Vigna to address the crisis. Horner, known for his strategic acumen and ability to navigate high-stakes environments, represents a beacon of hope for a team desperate to rediscover its winning formula.
As negotiations progress, the F1 world watches with bated breath. Will Ferrari’s gamble on Horner spark a glorious revival, or will it trigger chaos by alienating Hamilton? If the deal goes through, 2026 could mark the return of the Prancing Horse to its former glory—or the beginning of a new chapter of uncertainty.
