Former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner is linked to a top position in MotoGP. He is reportedly on the shortlist to become CEO of the world’s largest motorcycle championship. The speculation comes at a time when Liberty Media, owner of both Formula 1 and MotoGP for several years, is increasingly seeking synergy between the two championships. So far, Horner has mainly been linked to rival teams within Formula 1.
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The rumors are fueled by an unexpected visit by Horner to the MotoGP race in Spain: two weeks ago he was spotted at the Circuito de Jerez. In the Honda garage, he held talks with Honda boss Koji Watanabe, an old acquaintance from his Red Bull days. Moreover, he indicated that his presence was due to an invitation from Liberty Media. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali was also present, reinforcing the impression that it was more than just a simple paddock visit.
Horner to MotoGP?
The Spanish media SoyMotor reports that Horner is indeed on Liberty Media’s shortlist for the role of MotoGP CEO. According to the same report, the visit to Jerez mainly served as an exploratory meeting and further fueled rumors of a possible switch. Horner himself did not reveal anything about his future during his visit. He remained reserved with the media and gave no clear answer to whether he, like for example Günther Steiner, aspires to a role in MotoGP.
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Since his departure from Red Bull in 2025, it has been known that Horner was looking for ways to return to Formula 1. Alpine senior advisor Flavio Briatore previously confirmed that he had tried to buy into the French team. The 52-year-old Englishman is one of the most successful team principals in the history of the sport but has been on the sidelines for several months. His record speaks for itself: at Red Bull, he won eight driver titles and six constructors’ championships. In Jerez, he tried to temper the rumors about an F1 comeback. “Me at Alpine? There is always a lot of speculation,” he laughed to Sky Sports. “For now, I am still on gardening leave and in no hurry. When that period is over, we’ll see what happens.”
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