Juan Pablo Montoya has urged Audi to make a bold move in its ongoing search for leadership by targeting former Red Bull boss Christian Horner, describing him as the kind of figure capable of shaping a winning team from the ground up.

Horner, who spent more than two decades at the helm of Red Bull, has been without a role in Formula 1 since his departure following last year’s British Grand Prix. Despite overseeing one of the most successful eras in the sport’s history (including multiple drivers’ and constructors’ titles), the Briton has yet to secure a return to the paddock.

At the same time, Audi finds itself in a transitional phase. The German manufacturer is still building its Formula 1 structure ahead of its full entry, but recent changes have left a gap at the top. Jonathan Wheatley’s sudden exit has forced Mattia Binotto to step in as interim team principal, although his long-term intentions appear to lie elsewhere within the organisation.

Montoya believes this situation underlines the need for a clear and experienced leader, someone used to handling pressure, delivering results, and managing a complex F1 operation.

"I mean, Mattia has an uphill battle, because I don't think he wanted to be fully involved...Yeah, I think he wanted to be in the background. So I would assume they're probably looking for somebody to come in and fill that gap," Montoya told talkSPORT.

For the Colombian, Horner represents exactly that type of figure. Beyond his trophy record, Montoya points to his consistency and longevity as key qualities that Audi should value highly as it prepares for the challenges of entering Formula 1.

Asked if Horner could be an option, Montoya replied:

"They need somebody like Christian to do that. I think people underestimate what Christian has done, how long he did it for, and what he achieved. You might like him, you might hate him, but he could deliver."