Christian Horner’s return to Formula 1 appears to be taking a concrete direction, with the former Red Bull Racing team principal now engaged in discussions with Alpine over a potential ownership stake. According to reports, Horner has set his sights on acquiring a significant shareholding in the French constructor, specifically targeting the 24 percent stake currently held by Otro Capital. The move would mark a dramatic comeback for the British team boss, whose departure from Red Bull earlier this year sent shockwaves through the paddock.
Alpine emerges as primary target for Horner
Following his exit from Red Bull Racing, speculation about Horner’s future ignited across the Formula 1 community. Early rumours briefly connected him with Ferrari, while Aston Martin emerged as the frontrunner for his services. Discussions reportedly took place regarding a Chief Executive Officer position at the Silverstone-based outfit, though those plans shifted dramatically when Adrian Newey assumed the team principal role, leaving the CEO vacancy unfilled.
The Alpine opportunity represents a fundamentally different proposition. Rather than stepping into an existing management structure, Horner would acquire meaningful ownership in the Enstone team through purchasing Otro Capital’s shareholding. The American investment consortium, which counts celebrities including actor Ryan Reynolds among its members, has signalled openness to divesting its position in the French manufacturer’s racing programme.
Financial commitment and strategic implications
Securing a quarter stake in a Formula 1 constructor requires substantial financial investment. Alpine’s valuation places the 24 percent shareholding at a figure that would demand significant capital from Horner, though the exact sum remains undisclosed. The transaction would give the former Red Bull principal genuine influence over Alpine’s strategic direction, rather than merely an operational management role.
Alpine currently sits in a transitional phase, with Jack Doohan joining Pierre Gasly for the 2025 season. The team has undergone considerable restructuring in recent years, shifting its technical and operational approach as it seeks to re-establish itself as a competitive force in the midfield battle. Horner’s experience in building and maintaining championship-winning operations could prove invaluable to Alpine’s ambitions.
According to sources, Horner has not denied that negotiations with Renault are underway. The French manufacturer’s motorsport leadership would need to approve any ownership changes, given the corporate structure linking Alpine’s F1 team to the broader Renault Group strategy.
What this means going forward
Should Horner successfully acquire the Otro Capital stake, it would reshape Alpine’s ownership landscape and potentially accelerate decision-making within the team. His track record at Red Bull, where he presided over multiple championship campaigns, brings proven credentials to a constructor seeking to climb the competitive order. The coming weeks will prove decisive as negotiations progress, with any deal requiring extensive due diligence and regulatory approval from Formula 1’s governing structures. An ownership position would mark a fundamentally different role for Horner compared to his previous team principal responsibilities, blending strategic oversight with financial commitment to Alpine’s long-term Formula 1 project.
