Cadillac Formula 1 Team Officially Shuts Down Christian Horner Rumors

Dominika Jordan
Aug 26, 2025, 10:51 AM ET

Formula 1 World Champions: A legacy of racing legends

Lewis Hamilton, 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix. Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1/Mercedes-AMG

Cadillac Formula 1 Team Denies Christian Horner Rumors

The Cadillac Formula 1 team has officially denied all speculation surrounding the potential hiring of former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, firmly closing the door on this much-discussed rumor. As the American automotive giant prepares to make its highly anticipated debut on the Formula 1 grid next season, this statement puts an end to any conversation of Horner joining their team as part of the venture.

This announcement comes amid heightened interest in Cadillac’s first foray into F1, as they gear up to become the 11th team on the grid. The recent speculation stemmed from Horner’s abrupt dismissal by Red Bull following the British Grand Prix, where no official reasons for his departure were provided.

Christian Horner's Legacy With Red Bull and What Led to His Exit

Christian Horner’s two-decade run with Red Bull has left an indelible mark on the Formula 1 world. Over 20 years, Horner played a pivotal role in Red Bull’s rise to dominance, overseeing eight F1 Drivers’ Championships—four celebrated with Sebastian Vettel and four more in recent years with Max Verstappen—as well as six Constructors’ Championships. He helped transform Red Bull into a powerhouse during an intensely competitive era of Formula 1, earning a reputation as one of the sport’s most influential figures.

However, Red Bull has faced challenges in 2023. McLaren is enjoying a resurgent season, while Red Bull seems to be battling for form and consistency. Despite Verstappen currently sitting third in the 2023 Drivers’ Championship standings and Red Bull holding fourth in the Constructors’ race, the team’s performance has dipped below expectations. As reports of internal tensions and on-track struggles mounted, Horner's exit threw the team into the spotlight.

Following his departure, outlets speculated that Horner could quickly find himself back in the paddock, with Cadillac surfacing as a likely destination. But Cadillac Formula 1 CEO Dan Towriss was quick to dispel the rumors in a press conference on Thursday.

Towriss on Christian Horner Rumors: “There Have Been No Talks”

“There have been no talks with Christian Horner. No plans to do that,” Towriss confirmed while announcing Cadillac’s exciting new driver lineup for their debut season. “I’d like to officially shut down that rumor.”

Towriss went on to praise the efforts of current team principal Graeme Lowdon, who has been instrumental in Cadillac’s buildup to 2024. “Our support backing is 100% in Graeme Lowdon,” Towriss emphasized.

This strong show of support for Lowdon reflects Cadillac’s strategy of building on stability and continuity ahead of their challenging debut in Formula 1—a move that could set the stage for a deeply competitive season.

All Eyes on Cadillac’s F1 Debut and Driver Lineup

The Cadillac Formula 1 project has generated substantial buzz as a part of the sport’s ongoing expansion and increased global appeal. With their debut season slated for 2024, the American automaker has secured an experienced driver pairing that includes former Alfa Romeo driver Valtteri Bottas and veteran racer Sergio Pérez. This lineup is expected to give Cadillac a solid foundation as they navigate the grueling demands of their inaugural F1 campaign.

While Towriss has quashed any notion of Horner joining the team, the announcement signals Cadillac’s commitment to their existing leadership and drivers. With an emphasis on preparation and stability, Dan Towriss, Graeme Lowdon, and the team appear laser-focused on delivering a competitive debut season.

What’s Next for Christian Horner?

While the Cadillac rumors have now been put to rest, questions about Christian Horner’s future in Formula 1 remain unanswered. Will Horner return to the sport with another team, or will he stay away from the paddock altogether? For now, it’s clear that Cadillac will not be the next chapter in Horner’s career.

As the motorsport world eagerly anticipates Cadillac’s debut in 2024, one thing is certain—this American outfit has no shortage of ambition as it aims to solidify its place in Formula 1’s ever-competitive landscape.