Disgraced Ex-Red Bull Boss Christian Horner Eyes F1 Comeback Route With Alpine - Report

Last Updated:January 26, 2026, 16:34 IST

Christian Horner is in talks to buy Otro Capital’s 24 percent stake in Alpine, potentially marking his return to Formula One after his Red Bull exit.

Christian Horner with Flavio Briatore (AFP)

Christian Horner could be plotting a swift return to Formula One, just a year after his dramatic Red Bull exit.

The former Red Bull team principal is part of a consortium interested in purchasing a minority stake in Alpine, with the team confirming Horner is among the parties in talks to buy Otro Capital’s 24 per cent share.

Red Bull dismissed Horner in July last year after two decades in charge — a run that delivered eight drivers’ championships but ended amid turbulence both on and off the track. He is eligible to return to the paddock in 2026, and Alpine could offer his route back.

Alpine currently sits in a complex ownership structure. Renault Group controls 76 per cent of the team, while Otro Capital holds the remaining minority stake, now up for sale. Any deal would first require Otro to agree terms — and then Renault to approve the buyer.

Speaking to Sky Sports after Alpine unveiled its 2026 livery, de facto team principal Flavio Briatore acknowledged Horner’s interest but was quick to distance himself from negotiations.

“Otro wants to sell the participation in Alpine. It’s a few groups interested," Briatore told Sky Sports. “I’ve known Christian for many years… but this has nothing to do with me."

“First, you need to buy Otro, and after Renault needs to accept the buyer," he added. “He is negotiating with Otro, not with us."

Alpine later confirmed Horner’s involvement in a formal statement.

“It is no secret that Otro Capital has held preliminary talks to sell its stake in the team," the team said. “One of those parties to express an interest is a group of investors, which also includes Christian Horner."

The timing is intriguing. Alpine is entering a new technical era in 2026, switching to Mercedes power units as F1’s regulations reset. The team, however, is coming off a bruising campaign, having finished last in the constructors’ standings last season.

Pre-season testing begins in Barcelona on Monday, and while Horner’s involvement would not immediately change Alpine’s on-track fortunes, his return, even as an investor, would send shockwaves through the paddock.

News sports formula-one Disgraced Ex-Red Bull Boss Christian Horner Eyes F1 Comeback Route With Alpine - Report

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