Patrese: Horner and Jos Verstappen can be friends for Max’s sake

Patrese suggested that with Adrian Newey now at Aston Martin, along with several other former Red Bull figures, Verstappen could seriously consider joining the Silverstone-based team when they switch to Honda power in 2026. And why not add Horner to complete the 'Dream Team' for Lawrence Stroll?

Patrese drew a comparison to Michael Schumacher’s famous move from Benetton to Ferrari in the 1990s, when the German driver brought key personnel with him and built a dynasty: “The Aston Martin speculation with Christian Horner reminds me of when Michael Schumacher left Benetton and went to Ferrari.

"He took all the best pieces from Benetton to go to Ferrari to build a winning team and then become a world champion. Ross Brawn, Rory Byrne, all these guys that were Benetton with him and he took to Ferrari, and then they built a team where he was five times world champion.

“I can see a similar situation happening with Verstappen. They talk for sure. If this is what he thinks could happen, probably yes, Horner could certainly go there and make a new ‘Red Bull’ team at Aston Martin," predicts the Italian 71-year-old

Patrese, a Formula 1 race winner, also defended Horner, saying he was treated unfairly during the internal turmoil that ended his long reign at Red Bull earlier this year. Tensions between Horner and Jos Verstappen reached a boiling point when the Dutchman warned that the team risked “exploding” as long as Horner remained in charge.

Patrese said: “What happened to him last year was wrong. His private life is his private life. I think he was treated badly and at the end he got a lot of money. Now probably he’s having a little bit of time to relax at home.

"I saw him riding his horses. I think it’s good for him that he could have so much money and I think he’s a very capable person, that’s for sure. It’s up to him if he finds another F1 job, and whether he will come back or not.”

Patrese believes that if Horner does return to the Formula 1 paddock, rebuilding relations with Jos Verstappen would serve everyone involved — especially Max, who remains central to any future power shift in the sport.

According to Patrese: “Horner and Jos can become friends for Max’s sake. At the end, if they both care for him, they can put the past behind them and look to the future.”