Horner reveals Red Bull blocked bid for Leclerc

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 16:33 · Archive

Christian Horner has disclosed that he was prevented from signing Charles Leclerc while Red Bull team principal.

Christian Horner has revealed in his upcoming autobiography Drive that he was prevented from signing Charles Leclerc while serving as Red Bull team principal. In the book, Horner described the Ferrari driver as a 'perfect' fit for the team and disclosed that he met with Leclerc's manager in 2023 to pursue the signing.

Horner said: 'I thought he could be the perfect driver for us.' However, he was subsequently told to abandon the pursuit. He wrote: 'Shortly afterwards, Helmut told me that I should forget about Charles as well. Just like with Fernando, it wasn't going to happen. I knew immediately that that order did not come from Max ... but someone somewhere had decided that it wasn't the right step for Red Bull.'

Horner was dismissed as Red Bull's team principal and CEO in July 2025. At the time of the proposed 2023 move, Sergio Perez was entering his third year with Red Bull under contract until the end of 2024. Leclerc, now in his eighth season with Ferrari, recently signed a multi-year extension expected to keep him at the team until at least the end of 2028.

How it is being reported

• Christian Horner's shocking confession about being Red Bull bossChristian Horner has revealed he was blocked from signing a key driver during his time as Red Bull team principal.Oxfordshire Guardian · 15 Oct, 16:00
• Christian Horner's shocking confession about being Red Bull bossChristian Horner has revealed he was blocked from signing a key driver during his time as Red Bull team principal.Oxford Mail · 15 Oct, 16:00

In this story: Christian Horner · Charles Leclerc · Red Bull · Ferrari · Max Verstappen · Sergio Perez · Liam Lawson

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