Christian Horner is expected to attend this weekend’s British Grand Prix in what would be his first visit to the Formula One paddock since he controversially left Red Bull a year ago.
The Englishman was ‘relieved’ of his responsibilities at the Milton Keynes-based team 48 hours after last year’s Silverstone showpiece in a power struggle at the top of the soft drinks company.
Horner, 52, received £80million as part of his severance package but has been free to pursue other jobs since March.
He is currently weighing up his options before plunging back into pit-lane employment.
Horner has enjoyed country pursuits and family time with his Spice Girl wife Geri during his enforced downtime, but has made no secret of having ‘unfinished business’ in Formula One.
It is understood that F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali and FIA president Muhammed Ben Sulayem, both of whom are backing his return, have invited him to Silverstone this weekend as their guest.
Christian Horner, pictured with wife Geri at Royal Ascot, is set to attend the British Grand Prix
Aston Martin boss Lawrence Stroll is a long-term admirer of Horner, who masterminded 20 years of success at Red Bull in winning eight drivers’ and six constructors’ titles in two phases through Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen.
And the Daily Mail Sport has been told by senior sources that the Canadian billionaire has rekindled his interest in his services in recent weeks.
Other attractive options include a senior position at Ferrari, should one become free.
Horner is also known to crave a shareholding in one of the 11 teams and has major investors behind him.
He has specifically looked at buying the 24 per cent stake in Alpine owned by private equity company Otro.
Starting up a 12th team is another possibility but that would delay his return to the grid for some five years.
He has talked to BYD, the Chinese electric car manufacturer, with this project in mind. These conversations are at a tentative stage.
