Motorsport icon Christian Horner CBE has been confirmed as the headline speaker at the European Motor Show, taking place at the RDS, Dublin, on Saturday 31st January and Sunday 1st February 2026. The two-day event promises a dynamic programme of live talks, experiences, and showcases from world-class industry leaders and brands.
One of the most successful team leaders in Formula 1 history, Horner recently stepped down as Team Principal and CEO of Oracle Red Bull Racing after two decades that reshaped the sport. His appearance at the European Motor Show will mark one of his first major public engagements since his departure in July 2025.
The European Motor Show, supported by Headline Partner, Close Brothers Motor Finance Ireland, is the must-attend motoring event of 2026, celebrating performance, sustainability, innovation, and investment across the automotive world. Horner’s keynote is expected to draw widespread attention from the motorsport and motoring worlds.
Christian Horner CBE, former Team Principal and CEO of Oracle Red Bull Racing, will take to the stage on Saturday, 31st January 2026, to share insights from his record-breaking career and reflect on what’s next for motorsport and mobility in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Christian Horner CBE, said of his involvement in the show: “Ireland has a rich motorsport heritage and I am honoured to join the inaugural European Motor Show. I look forward to engaging discussions on the future of performance, innovation and the people driving change in our sport.”
Clare Kilmartin, COO, the European Motor Show, said of the announcement, “Having Christian Horner join our line-up is a major moment for the European Motor Show. His career and leadership in Formula 1 are legendary, and we’re thrilled he’ll be taking centre stage in Dublin. This show is about the future of mobility, and Christian’s presence speaks to that vision.”
Donal Murphy, CEO at Close Brothers Motor Finance Ireland, said: “As somebody who’s spent my career around the motor industry in Ireland, it gives me and the whole team at Close Brothers Motor Finance huge pleasure to be supporting this event. It signals to the world Ireland’s growing importance as an automotive market and as a hub for the tech and engineering innovation that’ll drive future generations of clean, smart vehicles.”
European Motor Show Event Highlights Include
— Motorsport
— Tech & Future
— Luxury & Lifestyle
— E-Gaming
— Family Zone
Christian Horner CBE led Red Bull Racing from 2005 to 2025, transforming the team from ambitious underdog to a dominant F1 force with six Constructors’ and eight Drivers’ Championships. Appointed at just 32, Horner was the youngest Team Principal in F1 history.
He oversaw the team’s first win in 2009, its four consecutive title doubles with Sebastian Vettel (2010–2013), and later, a new golden era led by Max Verstappen, including a record-breaking 21 wins from 22 races in 2023.
He also launched Red Bull Advanced Technologies and Red Bull Powertrains — including a landmark partnership with Ford to develop power units for 2026 and beyond. Horner was named a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in 2023 for services to motorsport.
Tickets on sale now (Phase 2 sale ends October 31st)
— Adult (includes one free child): €52.50 Weekend / €35 Day Pass
— Student/Senior: €35 Weekend / €24 Day Pass
— Family Pass (2 adults + up to 3 children under 14): €85 Weekend / €60 Day Pass
— Children under 14: Free (with paying adult)
— Ages 15–17: Student rate applies
