Christian Horner’s Potential Move to MotoGP: A New Chapter in Motorsports
Following his departure from Red Bull Racing as team principal, Christian Horner appears to be exploring new avenues in the world of motorsports, with MotoGP emerging as a potential destination. According to Sky Sports F1 commentator Martin Brundle, Horner’s extensive experience in Formula 1 could translate well to motorcycle racing’s premier class, especially now that Liberty Media, the owner of F1, has taken over MotoGP. This acquisition creates an interesting dynamic where the two motorsport disciplines now share the same parent company, potentially opening doors for crossover talent like Horner who brings valuable expertise from the F1 world.
MotoGP stands at a fascinating crossroads similar to where Formula 1 was in 2017 when Liberty Media first acquired it. Under Liberty’s stewardship, F1 experienced remarkable growth, particularly in the American market, through strategic marketing, the Drive to Survive Netflix series, and expansion into new territories. Now, MotoGP could follow a similar growth trajectory, making it an attractive proposition for someone of Horner’s caliber. This potential career pivot gains additional context when considering the limited team principal opportunities currently available in Formula 1, with most teams having stable leadership in place. The recent move by former Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner to become CEO of the Tech3 MotoGP team from 2026 may serve as a blueprint for Horner, demonstrating how F1 leadership skills can be transferred to the motorcycle racing world.
What makes Horner’s situation particularly interesting is his specific career ambitions. According to Brundle, Horner isn’t simply looking for another management position – he wants ownership stakes in his next venture. “He made it absolutely clear to me when I spoke to him that he will only come back if he’s got skin in the game, if he’s got a share of the team and is building something, rather than being a manager as he was with Red Bull,” Brundle explained to Sky Sports News. Horner apparently couldn’t secure any shareholding at Red Bull Racing despite his long tenure and impressive success there. Brundle points to Toto Wolff, who holds a one-third share in the Mercedes F1 team, as the model Horner may be looking to emulate in his next role.
The path to team ownership in Formula 1 appears particularly challenging at present. While a theoretical 12th team entry could provide such an opportunity, Brundle believes existing teams will resist expansion. “I think the current teams in F1 will be pushing hard, as will other stakeholders, to say they don’t want a 12th team at the moment while they’re all jockeying around trying to sort out the 2026 regulations,” Brundle noted. This resistance creates an additional hurdle for Horner, whose expertise is firmly rooted in Formula 1. “F1 is his life. It’s where his skills and experiences lie,” Brundle added, highlighting the emotional and professional connection Horner has to the sport that defined his career. Despite this attachment, the limited ownership opportunities in F1 may force Horner to look elsewhere.
This is where MotoGP enters the equation as a serious alternative. With Liberty Media now controlling both F1 and MotoGP, the motorcycle racing series could benefit enormously from someone with Horner’s proven track record in building a championship-winning organization. Brundle confirmed this possibility, stating, “I’m sure he’ll be thinking about MotoGP as well.” The timing could be perfect, as MotoGP stands poised for potential growth under Liberty’s ownership, similar to F1’s expansion over the past seven years. Horner’s experience in navigating the complex political waters of motorsport governance, managing top talent, and building technical excellence would be valuable assets to any MotoGP operation looking to climb the competitive ladder.
Importantly, Horner wouldn’t need to undertake such a venture alone. “I’m sure there will be partners, sponsors and other people who might want to join Christian on that journey,” Brundle suggested, indicating that Horner’s reputation and connections could attract significant backing for a MotoGP project. His proven ability to build Red Bull Racing from a midfield team into a dominant force would make him an attractive proposition for investors looking to make their mark in motorcycle racing. Whether Horner ultimately chooses to pursue opportunities in MotoGP, finds a way to secure team ownership in Formula 1, or explores entirely different avenues, his next career move will be closely watched by the motorsport community. His story represents the evolving landscape of global motorsport, where the boundaries between different racing disciplines are increasingly blurred, and where Liberty Media’s growing influence creates new possibilities for cross-pollination of talent and expertise.
