Christian Horner’s F1 Comeback Bid Gains Momentum with Alpine Stake Talks and McLaren-Linked Investors
Christian Horner’s potential return to Formula 1 is gathering fresh momentum, with new developments linking the former Red Bull team principal to investors who previously held a stake in McLaren Racing. The latest reports suggest that Horner is actively exploring a pathway back into the F1 paddock through a possible ownership move rather than a traditional management role.
Horner, who led Red Bull Racing for two decades, was dismissed from his position in July 2025, bringing an abrupt end to one of the most successful team principal tenures in the sport’s history. Since then, speculation has continued over whether — and how — he might re-enter Formula 1. Speaking recently, Horner acknowledged that a comeback remains a possibility, indicating that discussions are ongoing behind the scenes.
According to new reports, Horner has been in conversations with several institutional investors about acquiring a stake in the Alpine Formula 1 team. Among the groups named is MSP Sports Capital, an investment firm previously involved with McLaren Racing. MSP was part of a consortium that helped fund McLaren and contributed to a valuation of roughly £3.5 billion for the team last year. Their prior F1 involvement and financial strength make them a notable potential partner in any new Alpine-related venture.
The reported discussions center on the possible purchase of Otro Capital’s 24 percent shareholding in Alpine. Otro Capital currently owns a significant minority stake in the Enstone-based team, while Renault retains overall majority control. Sources indicate that Horner has been exploring a deal structure that would see him backed by high-net-worth investors in an effort to secure that share.
Neither Horner nor MSP Sports Capital has publicly confirmed the talks. MSP declined to comment when approached regarding the reported negotiations, and Horner has not yet issued a statement addressing the latest claims. However, this is not the first time his name has been linked with an Alpine investment scenario.
Earlier in January 2025, Alpine acknowledged that Horner and a group of financial partners were among several interested parties evaluating the purchase of Otro Capital’s stake. At that time, Alpine executive advisor Flavio Briatore confirmed that conversations had taken place but emphasized that the process was strictly business-driven and not influenced by his personal relationship with Horner.
Briatore explained that Otro Capital’s willingness to sell had attracted multiple inquiries and that any transaction would follow a defined approval process. He noted that even if a buyer secured Otro’s 24 percent share, Renault would still hold a controlling 75 percent and would ultimately need to approve any new shareholder. He stressed that Horner’s negotiations, if successful, would be with Otro rather than directly with Alpine or Renault management.
One key factor shaping Horner’s reported strategy is his desire for meaningful ownership and influence in any future F1 role. Following his high-profile exit from Red Bull, it is understood that he is reluctant to return in a position where he lacks long-term security or control. That makes an equity-based entry — rather than simply becoming a team principal again — a more attractive route.
Whether such a deal is realistic remains uncertain. Renault has not clarified whether it would consider reducing its majority stake in Alpine or allowing a new investor significant governance power. Any purchase would require not only agreement with Otro Capital but also formal acceptance from Renault as majority owner.
Still, the involvement of experienced sports investors and the continued acknowledgment of talks suggest Horner’s F1 return cannot be ruled out. While no agreement has been finalized, the situation indicates that his comeback ambitions are active — and increasingly tied to team ownership rather than just leadership from the pit wall.
