Christian Horner ‘negotiating’ F1 return with M…read more
Christian Horner’s name is once again echoing around the Formula 1 paddock, with fresh reports suggesting the former Red Bull boss is actively exploring a return to the sport — this time through a potential ownership role with Alpine.
According to Alpine executive advisor and de facto team principal Flavio Briatore, Horner is currently in discussions connected to the possible sale of a 24 per cent stake in the Enstone-based team. That share is presently owned by US investment firm Otro Capital, which acquired the stake in 2023 as part of Renault’s strategy to boost Alpine’s commercial value and global appeal.
Otro’s entry into Alpine brought significant star power, with high-profile figures such as Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds and NFL superstar Travis Kelce attached to the investment group. Since that sale, Alpine’s valuation has reportedly increased, making the minority stake an attractive asset — and one that is now believed to be on the market.
The potential availability of Otro’s shares has sparked intense speculation, particularly given Horner’s recent departure from Red Bull after more than two decades in charge. During his time there, Horner oversaw one of the most successful eras in modern F1, guiding the team to multiple world championships with both Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen. His exit immediately raised questions about where — or whether — he might resurface in the sport.
Those questions grew louder after reports emerged suggesting Horner is keen on acquiring an ownership position within an F1 team, similar to the influential role Toto Wolff holds at Mercedes. Alpine, with its mixed ownership structure and ambition to return to the front of the grid, has naturally become a focal point of those rumours.
Speaking during Alpine’s 2026 livery launch, Briatore addressed the speculation directly, confirming that talks are indeed ongoing — but also stressing that Alpine itself is not yet involved in any negotiations with Horner.
“At the moment there is a lot of confusion,” Briatore explained. “A few groups — I don’t know how many, six or seven — call me every day asking about Otro. Every day there is a new group. I don’t care.”
Briatore made it clear that any potential deal would first need to happen between Horner and Otro Capital, not Alpine or Renault. “If Otro want to sell their participation in Alpine, the moment somebody buys that 24 per cent, we still have 75 per cent,” he said. “Then we discuss it. But for the moment, this is the situation.”
The Italian also sought to distance himself personally from the negotiations, despite his long-standing relationship with Horner. “I’ve known Christian for many years, I speak with him anyway, but this has nothing to do with me,” Briatore added. “First you need to buy the Otro share, then Renault need to accept the buyer, and after that we see what happens.”
Crucially, Briatore emphasised that Horner is not negotiating directly with Alpine. “There’s no link with me,” he said. “He’s negotiating with Otro, not with us.”
While no deal has been confirmed, the comments represent the clearest acknowledgment yet that Horner is seriously considering an F1 comeback through Alpine. If such a move were to materialise, it could mark a significant shift in the team’s power structure and long-term strategy — and send shockwaves across the paddock.
For now, however, the situation remains fluid. Multiple interested parties are circling, Renault retains final approval over any new shareholder, and Horner’s next move is far from certain. What is clear is that one of Formula 1’s most influential figures is very much back in the conversation — and the Alpine story may just be getting started.
