Christian Horner Eyes Alpine Investment Following Red Bull Departure
Former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner is reportedly among a consortium of investors expressing serious interest in acquiring a stake in the Alpine Formula 1 team. This development comes several months after Horner's high-profile and controversial exit from the Red Bull Racing organisation, where he had enjoyed two decades of remarkable success.
Alpine Confirms Investor Interest Amid Team Struggles
Alpine has officially acknowledged that preliminary discussions have taken place regarding potential investment in the team, which finished at the bottom of the constructors' championship standings last season. The French outfit stated it was "no secret" that Otro Capital, which holds a 24 percent stake in the team, has engaged in exploratory talks about selling its share.
In an official statement, Alpine clarified the situation: "With the continued rapid growth of Formula One, the valuation of the teams has been increasing and, not surprisingly, has led to multiple interested parties looking to enter the sport. 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."
The statement further emphasised that "any approaches or discussions are with the existing shareholders, Otro Capital (24 per cent) and Renault Group (76 per cent), not directly with (boss) Flavio Briatore or the team."
Horner's Red Bull Legacy and Controversial Exit
Christian Horner's potential return to Formula 1 through investment rather than direct team management marks a significant career shift. During his twenty-year tenure at Red Bull Racing, Horner oversaw an era of extraordinary dominance, securing:
- Eight drivers' championships
- Six constructors' championships
- Numerous race victories and podium finishes
However, his departure from the team was marred by controversy. Horner was initially suspended from operational duties in July 2025 following allegations of "inappropriate behaviour" by a female colleague. Although he was cleared of wrongdoing after an internal investigation ahead of the 2024 Bahrain Grand Prix, the situation escalated when hundreds of WhatsApp messages allegedly exchanged between Horner and the complainant were leaked to the Formula 1 community.
Despite maintaining the support of Red Bull's hierarchy and his wife, former Spice Girls singer Geri Halliwell, Horner was ultimately sacked as team principal after July's British Grand Prix. His official exit was finalised in September 2025, leaving the 52-year-old free to explore other opportunities within the sport.
Potential Alpine Revival Under New Investment
The interest from Horner's investor group comes at a critical juncture for Alpine, which has struggled competitively in recent seasons. The team's poor performance in the constructors' championship has highlighted the need for additional investment and strategic direction to return to competitiveness.
Formula 1's global popularity and commercial value have surged in recent years, making team ownership increasingly attractive to investors. Alpine's statement acknowledged this trend, noting the "continued rapid growth of Formula One" and the consequent "increasing valuation of the teams."
Should Horner's investment group succeed in acquiring a stake in Alpine, it would represent a fascinating new chapter for both the investor and the team. Horner's extensive experience and success in Formula 1 could provide valuable insight and direction, while Alpine would benefit from fresh capital and potentially new strategic leadership.
The situation remains fluid, with discussions ongoing between potential investors and Alpine's current shareholders. No formal agreement has been announced, but the confirmation of Horner's interest signals serious consideration of a return to the Formula 1 paddock, albeit in a different capacity than his previous role as team principal.
