[Saba Sports News] Former Red Bull team principal and CEO Christian Horner has largely ruled out the possibility of appearing in the F1 paddock during the 2026 season opener at the Australian Grand Prix. Although he will be traveling to Australia for a public speaking event before the season starts, he does not plan to go to the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne without a formal role. Since being dismissed by Red Bull at last year’s British Grand Prix, Horner has not attended any F1 race weekends. Now 52, he is in a stage of life where both personal and professional rhythms are relatively slowed down. According to the schedule, Horner will begin his speaking engagements in Australia on February 24 in Melbourne, then head to Sydney, and conclude his tour in Perth on March 2, coinciding exactly with the weekend of the Australian Grand Prix. Previously, Horner has publicly stated that if he were to return to F1, he would prefer to do so as a shareholder or partner rather than simply being employed by a team. He is currently believed to be one of the members of an investment group interested in acquiring a stake in the Alfa Romeo team. Horner has also admitted that he still has emotional ties to F1, but any return would need to be substantively meaningful.