£665 Million Power Play: Christian Horner Plots Sensational Formula 1 Comeback with Alpine Takeover
Christian Horner could be on the brink of one of the most dramatic returns Formula 1 has seen in years. Just months after his shock exit from Red Bull Racing, the long-serving team principal is now being strongly linked with a bold takeover move that could reshape the future of Alpine.
According to reports emerging from Europe, Horner is not simply seeking a new management role in the paddock. Instead, the former Red Bull boss is believed to be orchestrating a full-scale acquisition of the Enstone-based outfit, backed by a powerful consortium of investors and a war chest worth an estimated £665 million.
Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf first ignited the rumours, revealing that Horner had entered discussions with Alpine over the purchase of a significant stake in the team. Those claims have since gathered momentum, with respected German publication Auto Motor und Sport reporting that Horner is already in the process of acquiring shares and expects the deal to be finalised within days.
If confirmed, the move would mark a remarkable new chapter for one of the most influential figures in modern Formula 1.
From Red Bull Exit to Alpine Ambition
Horner spent two decades as the public face and driving force of Red Bull Racing, overseeing one of the most successful eras in the sport’s history. Under his leadership, Red Bull rose from midfield newcomers to a dominant force, winning multiple world championships and becoming a commercial powerhouse.
However, the 2025 season proved to be a turning point. Red Bull’s form dipped significantly, and internal tensions intensified behind the scenes. Following the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, Red Bull’s senior management made the decisive call to part ways with Horner, ending his long and influential tenure.
Almost immediately, speculation began swirling about his next move. Ferrari and Aston Martin were briefly mentioned as potential destinations, but those rumours quickly faded. Now, all signs point firmly towards Alpine.
A €763 Million Consortium
Central to the reports is Horner’s apparent desire for something he never had at Red Bull: total control.
Sources suggest that Horner has assembled a consortium capable of raising €763 million—approximately £665 million—to secure a majority stake in Alpine. The aim is not simply influence, but outright authority over the team’s future direction.
This strategy reportedly includes acquiring shares currently held by investors who joined Alpine in 2023. That investment group—comprised of Otro Capital, RedBird Capital Partners, and Maximum Effort Investments, which includes Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds—purchased around 24 percent of the team. Those shares are now believed to be a key part of Horner’s takeover blueprint.
For Horner, this would represent a fundamental shift from his Red Bull role, where he operated as an employee rather than an owner. Industry insiders have long suggested that internal power struggles and limitations on his authority played a role in his eventual departure from Milton Keynes.
Alpine Facing Another Shake-Up?
Alpine is no stranger to leadership turbulence, and Horner’s arrival could trigger yet another major reshuffle.
At present, the team is overseen by Flavio Briatore, who returned to a senior role amid Alpine’s ongoing struggles. Veteran operator Steve Nielsen was also appointed managing director in September as part of efforts to stabilise the organisation.
However, reports indicate that Horner is seeking sole control, a scenario that could significantly reduce Briatore’s influence. At 75 years old, the Italian’s role may be redefined—or diminished entirely—should Horner’s takeover succeed.
Such a move would underline Horner’s intent to rebuild Alpine in his own image, applying the same ruthless clarity of leadership that once propelled Red Bull to the top of Formula 1.
A Statement of Intent
If completed, the deal would instantly rank among the most eye-catching ownership changes in F1’s modern era. It would also send a powerful message: Christian Horner is not returning to the sport quietly.
With Alpine struggling to translate its resources into consistent on-track success, Horner may see an opportunity to revive a team that once won championships as Renault. Armed with financial backing, experience, and unfinished business, his potential takeover could ignite a new power shift in the paddock.
For now, Formula 1 waits. But if the reports are accurate, the Horner era may be far from over—and Alpine could soon find itself at the centre of a £665 million revolution.
