F1 news: Former Red Bull boss Christian Horner linked with potential Alpine investment
Former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner is being linked with a possible return to Formula 1 as an investor in the Alpine team, after a turbulent end to his long run at Red Bull.
Horner, 52, left Red Bull in July 2025 after leading the team for around two decades. During his time there, he oversaw huge success, including multiple world championships.
Since his departure, he has not held a formal role in the sport.
A possible return to F1
Recent reports say Horner has joined a group of investors exploring the purchase of a minority share in Alpine, the French-backed Formula 1 team.
Their focus is on the 24% stake currently held by Otro Capital, a fund that includes well-known investors.
Alpine confirmed that talks are underway about investors potentially buying into the team.
“It is no secret that Otro Capital has held preliminary talks to sell its stake in the team,” Alpine said in a recent statement.
“The team is regularly approached and contacted from potential investors, particularly given Otro Capital declared exploratory talks have taken place. One of those parties to express an interest is a group of investors, which also includes Christian Horner.”
Alpine stressed that any conversations are taking place with the existing shareholders, and not directly with team management.
The 24% Alpine sold to Otro Capital in 2023 brought in Hollywood names and sports stars, including Ryan Reynolds and Rory McIlroy.
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Alpine rebuild and what it means for Horner
If that stake is sold to Horner’s group, the deal would still need approval from Renault, which holds the remaining 76% of the team’s shares.
Alpine is currently rebuilding after finishing at the bottom of the 2025 Constructors’ championship.
The team has shifted its development focus to the 2026 season under new technical rules and has also switched its engine supply from Renault to Mercedes, in a bid to improve performance.
For Horner, the reported move would mark a significant shift from team leadership into team ownership and investment.
Instead of returning as a manager, he would become a minority owner, potentially giving him influence over Alpine’s strategic direction.
At this stage, the discussions are described as exploratory. Neither Horner nor Alpine has confirmed a final agreement, and any sale would depend on negotiations between investors and existing shareholders.
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