Christian Horner eyes F1 return as he breaks silence after Red Bull sacking

Christian Horner admitted he misses Formula One and has unfinished business in the sport as he spoke publicly for the first time since he was ousted by Red Bull.

Horner, 52, was dismissed as Red Bull team principal following July’s British Grand Prix before his official exit was agreed in September.

He oversaw a period of extraordinary success during his 20-year career with Red Bull, winning eight drivers’ and six constructors’ titles.

However, Red Bull’s decision to sack him came a year and a half after he was accused of “inappropriate behaviour” by a female colleague. Horner always denied the claims and was exonerated for a second time of controlling behaviour by an independent KC.

Alpine confirmed last week that Horner is among a group interested in investing in the team.

And breaking his silence on Saturday at the European Motor Show in Dublin, Horner said: “I feel like I have unfinished business in Formula One. It didn’t finish the way that I would have liked it to finish.

“But I am not going to come back for just anything. I am only going to come back for something that can win.

“I don’t want to go back in the paddock unless I have something to do. I miss the sport, I miss the people, I miss the team that I built.

“I had 21 incredible years in Formula One. I had a great run, won a lot of races, championships and worked with some amazing drivers, engineers and partners.

“I don’t need to go back. I could stop my career now. So I would only go back for the right opportunity to work with great people, and to work in an environment where people want to win, and they shared that desire.

“I would want to be a partner, rather than just a hired hand, but we will see how it plays out. I am not in a rush. I don’t need to do