Christian Horner makes return decision as legend join M…read more
Christian Horner has opened up about his future in Formula 1, confirming that he has held discussions with nearly every team on the grid as speculation grows over his potential return to the sport. Since leaving Red Bull in 2025, the long-time team boss has been at the center of persistent rumors linking him with several major outfits, including Ferrari, Aston Martin, and Alpine. His latest comments suggest that while nothing has been finalized, he remains actively engaged in conversations across the paddock.
Following his departure from Red Bull, where he oversaw one of the most successful periods in the team’s history, Horner has been widely viewed as one of the most valuable leadership figures available in F1. Multiple teams are believed to be interested in securing his expertise, given his track record in building championship-winning structures and managing top-level talent. Reports in recent weeks have focused particularly on Alpine, where internal restructuring and ownership shifts have created an opening for high-profile leadership involvement.
One of the strongest links connects Horner to a possible investment and leadership role at Alpine. It has been reported that he is exploring the purchase of a 24 percent ownership stake currently held by Otro Capital. Discussions around this potential deal have been acknowledged by Alpine executive Flavio Briatore, who confirmed that talks have taken place. Such a move would not only mark Horner’s return to Formula 1 but would also position him as both an executive and investor, giving him significant influence over the team’s direction. While negotiations are said to be ongoing, no official agreement has yet been announced.
Horner’s willingness to speak with multiple teams highlights both his continued relevance and the strong demand for experienced leadership in the evolving F1 landscape. With new regulations, shifting competitive balances, and expanding commercial opportunities, teams are increasingly seeking proven figures who can deliver performance and stability. Horner’s experience in navigating regulation changes and building dominant programs makes him an especially attractive candidate.
At the same time, another major storyline has emerged involving a legendary driver and a potential return to McLaren. Fernando Alonso, the two-time Formula 1 world champion, has been mentioned in connection with a possible future project with the McLaren organization — though not necessarily in F1. McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has revealed that he continues to encourage Alonso to consider another attempt at winning the Indianapolis 500 with McLaren’s IndyCar program.
Alonso previously raced for McLaren in Formula 1 during two separate periods — first in 2007 and later from 2015 through 2018. His second stint coincided with a difficult competitive era for the team, but his relationship with McLaren leadership has since improved significantly. Beyond F1, Alonso also partnered with McLaren in his pursuit of the motorsport “Triple Crown,” competing in the Indy 500 as part of his broader racing ambitions. Despite multiple attempts, victory at the iconic American race has so far eluded him.
Brown has made it clear that he still hopes to see Alonso return to the McLaren fold for another Indy 500 challenge. He indicated that he plans to keep raising the idea with Alonso, suggesting that the door remains open should the Spaniard decide to take on the event again. With Alonso entering the final year of his current contract, interest in his next career move is growing, and McLaren appears eager to be part of it if the opportunity arises.
Together, these two developing stories — Horner’s potential return in a leadership or ownership role and McLaren’s interest in reuniting with Alonso for IndyCar glory — underline how the Formula 1 world continues to evolve off the track as much as on it, with major figures still shaping the sport’s future even when not currently in their former roles.
