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Christian Horner was offered Mercedes team principal job in major revelation

Christian Horner has claimed he was offered the Mercedes F1 team principal job in the middle of Red Bull's first F1 heyday.

By Jake Nichol · Racing News 365

Published: Monday, 19 October 2026 at 7:15 AM

Key Things to Know

Christian Horner revealed he was offered the Mercedes team principal job by Niki Lauda in late 2012.
Horner rejected the lucrative proposal out of loyalty to Dietrich Mateschitz and Red Bull.
The meeting occurred after Horner helped steer Lewis Hamilton toward signing with Mercedes instead of Red Bull.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Christian Horner revealed in his new memoir, Drive, that he was offered the role of Mercedes team principal around Christmas 2012 by then-non-executive director Niki Lauda. Lauda visited Horner's home and pitched a lucrative salary to lure him away from Red Bull Racing, following Lewis Hamilton's decision to join Mercedes.

Horner rejected the offer due to his loyalty to Red Bull and team owner Dietrich Mateschitz. Mercedes subsequently appointed Toto Wolff for the 2013 season, who later took full leadership as team principal and led the team through a dominant championship era.

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Christian Horner was offered Mercedes team principal job in major revelation

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