Christian Horner now in ‘advanced negotiations’ to make £600m Formula 1 R…read more
Christian Horner could be on the brink of a sensational return to Formula 1, less than six months after his shock departure from Red Bull Racing, with reports suggesting he is deep in talks over a major role at Alpine that could be worth around £600 million.
As Formula 1 teams put the final touches on their 2026 challengers ahead of a private test in Barcelona later this month, pressure is mounting across the paddock. The upcoming season is seen as a defining one, particularly with the sweeping regulation changes on the horizon. For several team principals, the performance of their new cars may prove decisive for their long-term futures.
Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur is already facing scrutiny following a disappointing 2025 campaign, but it is Alpine who arguably have the most to prove. The Enstone-based team endured a disastrous season, finishing last in the constructors’ championship and prompting a major internal rethink.
In response to their struggles, Alpine have opted for a radical change in direction. The team will end their long-standing relationship with Renault power units and switch to Mercedes engines from 2026, a move aimed at closing the gap to the front of the grid and restoring competitiveness.
Now, fresh reports suggest Alpine’s reset may also extend to its leadership structure. According to journalist Pedro Fermin Flores, Christian Horner is increasingly likely to play a central role in the team’s future, with negotiations between the two parties said to be at an advanced stage.
Horner, who led Red Bull Racing for two decades and oversaw one of the most successful periods in Formula 1 history, was unexpectedly dismissed midway through the 2025 season. His exit sent shockwaves through the sport, given his role in delivering multiple world championships and establishing Red Bull as a dominant force.
Despite his availability, Horner has so far resisted a swift return to the pit lane. It has long been believed that he would only consider re-entering Formula 1 under the right circumstances, with a simple team principal role unlikely to be enough to tempt him back.
Flores now claims that Alpine could meet Horner’s conditions. Writing on his website, the journalist reports that discussions involve Horner acquiring a significant ownership stake in the team, rather than merely taking on a management position. Such an arrangement would mark a major shift in Alpine’s structure and signal serious ambition from the struggling outfit.
The proposed deal is understood to value Alpine at around £600 million, highlighting the scale of the potential investment and the confidence in Horner’s ability to transform the team’s fortunes. If completed, it would represent one of the most eye-catching ownership changes in recent Formula 1 history.
For Alpine, the appeal of Horner is obvious. His track record at Red Bull includes building a title-winning organisation, nurturing elite talent, and navigating the political complexities of Formula 1. The team has lacked stability and clear direction in recent years, cycling through leadership changes and failing to meet expectations despite substantial backing.
From Horner’s perspective, Alpine could offer a rare opportunity to shape a team from the ground up while holding genuine influence over its long-term strategy. With new power units, new regulations, and potential new ownership, the timing could be ideal for a fresh project.
While no official confirmation has been made by either party, the suggestion that talks are now well advanced indicates momentum is building. Should an agreement be reached, Horner’s return would dramatically alter the Formula 1 landscape and add another layer of intrigue ahead of the 2026 season.
As teams prepare for a critical year of development, all eyes will be on Alpine to see whether they can finalise a deal that could redefine their future—and bring one of the sport’s most successful leaders back to the grid sooner than anyone expected.
