Coulthard: I don't doubt Horner has spoken to every F1 team

Speaking during a recent The Sports Agents Podcast, Coulthard speculated: “I don't have the inside track, otherwise I would of course share it with you right now. I think one thing that's quite clear: Christian's still motivated.

"I don't doubt he's spoken to every single team. Because you know what every single team principal does during the year? They speak to every driver, even if it's just to destabilise them," said the 13-time Grand Prix winner from Scotland.

With General Motors set to enter Formula 1 next year, Coulthard even floated the possibility of Horner taking a team ownership route: “Well, there's an extra franchise available. There are 11 teams on the grid next year, Cadillac, in name, are coming.

"They're going to be based at Silverstone as an operation, and that's great for another brilliant British story. But anyway, good that there's going to be 11 teams, more cars. That gives more drivers opportunities and more action. And there is room for a 12.”

Coulthard’s connection with Christian Horner runs deep into the roots of Red Bull Racing’s history, tracing back to the team’s formation in 2005 when the pair laid the foundations of what would become one of Formula 1’s most dominant operations.

When Red Bull founder Dieter Mateschitz purchased the defunct Jaguar team at the end of 2004, Horner was appointed as Team Principal and Coulthard, then a seasoned Grand Prix winner, became his first signing. The Scotsman’s experience from McLaren provided the technical feedback and professionalism needed to steer a fledgling outfit through its formative seasons.

Coulthard helped shape the team’s structure, mentoring younger drivers and helping Horner build a culture that would later produce world champions. Under their groundwork, Red Bull evolved into a powerhouse, delivering four consecutive titles with Sebastian Vettel between 2010 and 2013, and four more through Max Verstappen from 2021 to 2024.

Two decades later, as Horner’s departure from Red Bull after 20 years continues to make headlines, Coulthard’s early role serves as a reminder of how the team’s remarkable journey began — a partnership forged in ambition that transformed an energy drink brand into a Formula 1 dynasty.