RACING: Ex-Red Bull boss Christian Horner eyeing F1 return as Alpine investor

Christian Horner’s absence from Formula One may be short-lived.

The former Red Bull team principal, who was fired in July, is reportedly part of a group considering investment in F1 team Alpine. The French team confirmed Horner’s interest in a statement released Sunday.

Alpine, which has been open to new investors, confirmed that Horner is among the parties exploring a possible stake in the team.

In December 2023, Alpine sold a 24% stake to American sports-investment firm Otro Capital. The investment group also included major sports and entertainment figures such as golf star Rory McIlroy, NFL players Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, boxer Anthony Joshua, and actor-businessman Ryan Reynolds.

Over the past few months, Otro Capital has reportedly explored selling its stake in Alpine and has held talks with potential buyers. Horner has now emerged as one of the interested parties.

“It is no secret that Otro Capital has held preliminary talks to sell its stake in the team,” Alpine said in its statement. “The team is regularly approached and contacted by 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.”

Reports of Otro’s interest in selling its stake first surfaced in October 2025. Markets Group reported that the firm’s initial investment—estimated at around $900 million—could potentially yield significantly higher returns in a future sale.

Horner, 52, served as Red Bull’s team principal for 20 years. He was officially terminated on August 13, 2025, following his dismissal by Red Bull’s parent company, Red Bull GmbH, after the British Grand Prix.

During his time at Red Bull, Horner led the team to 124 Grand Prix victories, eight driver championships—four with Max Verstappen and four with Sebastian Vettel—and six constructors’ titles.

No official reason was provided for his dismissal. However, Red Bull had struggled to keep pace with McLaren in the standings, and rumors emerged about a power struggle within the team’s leadership. In addition, Horner faced allegations of inappropriate behavior toward a female colleague, which he denied. Reports at the time suggested his settlement with Red Bull could be worth up to $100 million, as he was contracted through the 2030s.

After finishing last in the F1 team standings last season, Alpine is switching from Renault to Mercedes for its power unit in 2026.

“Currently, the primary focus for the team is to be more competitive on track in 2026 which, with the new regulation era, presents a unique opportunity to show a sustainable recovery of performance,” Alpine said.

—Field Level Media/Reuters