Christian Horner Eyes F1 Return with Alpine Stake

Former Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner is reportedly eyeing a potential ownership route back into Formula 1 through a stake in the Alpine F1 Team.

Horner, whose two decade tenure at Red Bull delivered multiple world championships before ending in 2025, is part of a group exploring the acquisition of a minority stake in Alpine. The opportunity centres on the approximately 24 percent shareholding currently held by US investment firm Otro Capital, which was acquired in 2023 alongside a consortium of celebrity and athlete investors.

Alpine, majority owned by Renault, has confirmed Horner’s involvement in shareholder discussions, although any transaction would require the approval of the French manufacturer. The move would allow Horner to re-enter the sport without immediately taking on an operational or team principal role, instead positioning him as an influential investor with deep competitive knowledge.

The timing coincides with a pivotal period for Alpine on track. Following a difficult campaign that saw the team finish at the rear of the Constructors’ Championship, Alpine is preparing for a major technical transition, switching from Renault power units to Mercedes engines ahead of the 2026 regulations reset.

For Formula 1’s commercial stakeholders, Horner’s interest highlights the continued appeal of team equity as an asset class. It also reflects a broader shift in ownership models, where experienced executives are seeking capital led pathways back into elite sport rather than traditional management appointments.