Speaking publicly for the first time since leaving the team, Horner made it clear that any return to F1 would only happen under the right conditions and with a clear goal of winning.

Horner is eligible to return to the F1 paddock from this spring, and Alpine confirmed last week that he is part of a consortium interested in buying a minority stake in the team. Speaking at the European Motor Show in Dublin, Horner, quoted by The Independent, said: “I feel like I have unfinished business in Formula 1. It didn’t finish the way that I would have liked it to finish.” However, he stressed that he would not come back without a strong reason, adding: “I am not going to come back for just anything. I am only going to come back for something that can win.”

During his time at Red Bull, Horner was one of the most successful team principals in Formula 1 history. He joined the team in 2005 and spent more than 20 years in charge, overseeing eight drivers’ world championships and six constructors’ titles. Under his leadership, Red Bull became a dominant force in the sport, working with drivers such as Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen and building a reputation for strong technical and sporting performance.

Reflecting on his Red Bull years, Horner spoke warmly about his career in Formula 1. “I don’t want to go back in the paddock unless I have something to do,” he said. “I miss the sport, I miss the people, I miss the team that I built.” He added: “I had 21 incredible years in Formula 1. I had a great run, won a lot of races, championships and worked with some amazing drivers, engineers and partners.”

Despite his success, Horner insists he does not feel pressure to return. “I don’t need to go back. I could stop my career now,” he said. “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.” He also suggested he would want a deeper role within a team, saying: “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 anything.”

Horner also addressed the speculation linking him with several teams since leaving Red Bull, including Alpine. “What has been fascinating is that this is the first time I have actually spoken to anyone since leaving Red Bull,” he said. “There just seems to be an appetite as to: ‘What am I going to do? Where am I going to go?’” He added that any move would have to wait, saying: “The reality is that until the spring I can’t do anything anyway.”

Finally, Horner spoke about his long-running rivalry with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff. “A lot of people made a lot out of the rivalry I had with him,” Horner said. “I have a huge amount of respect for him.” He explained why such rivalries matter, adding: “Sport is boring if everybody is friendly and loves each other. You have got to have a rivalry that will create a real interest. The worst thing is if everyone is too nicey-nicey and chummy.”