Ferrari is once again at the center of Formula 1’s attention as the team navigates a complex transition period. With all eyes on the 2026 car project, code-named “678,” rumors about Christian Horner possibly joining the team have sent shockwaves through the paddock.
Ferrari Chairman John Elkann recently reaffirmed his personal commitment to bringing the Scuderia back to the top of Formula 1. After three consecutive victories at Le Mans, the team aims to replicate its endurance racing success on the F1 stage. However, a sharp drop in Ferrari’s stock value and inconsistent on-track performance have increased internal pressure.
German outlet F1-Insider stirred the debate by claiming that Horner had held preliminary talks with Ferrari. While the news remains unconfirmed, it spread rapidly across global media. Following his departure from Red Bull, Horner reportedly received around €80 million in compensation but remains bound by a non-compete clause until mid-2026.
This makes a near-term replacement of current team principal Fred Vasseur unlikely. Despite a disappointing SF-25 season that left Ferrari trailing Red Bull, McLaren, and Mercedes, Vasseur retains Elkann’s support and leads the 2026 project.
Ferrari’s leadership views 2026 as a decisive turning point. Elkann has made it clear that “2026 will be the year Ferrari returns to the championship fight.” As for Horner, if he does make a comeback, he is expected to seek a role similar to Toto Wolff’s at Mercedes — not just as a team boss but as a shareholder.
Ultimately, Ferrari’s path forward centers on two key ambitions: unlocking Maranello’s technical potential through Project 678 and rebuilding a team worthy of its fans’ pride. As Elkann put it, “We’ve won in WEC; now it’s time to win in Formula 1.”