Christian Horner, previously at the helm of Red Bull Racing, is reportedly considering an investment in the Alpine Formula 1 team. This development comes after his dismissal from Red Bull in July, concluding a 20-year period of leadership. Alpine has confirmed that a group including Horner is among the potential investors looking to acquire a stake from Otro Capital. The French-based racing organization is also focusing on its preparations for the 2026 season, which will see a transition to Mercedes power units, aiming for enhanced competitive performance.
Horner's potential re-entry into the Formula 1 landscape marks a significant turn for the former team principal. His departure from Red Bull in July followed a celebrated career where he guided the team to numerous victories, including 124 Grand Prix wins, eight driver championships (four with Max Verstappen and four with Sebastian Vettel), and six constructors' titles. The exact reasons for his termination on August 13, 2025, a month after his actual dismissal by Red Bull GmbH, were not officially disclosed, though rumors pointed to internal power struggles and a series of allegations regarding inappropriate conduct with a female colleague, which Horner denied. His settlement with Red Bull was estimated to be around $100 million, as his contract extended into the 2030s.
The current discussions involve Otro Capital, an American sports-investment firm, which had previously secured a 24% stake in Alpine in December 2023. This initial investment group included notable figures such as golfer Rory McIlroy, NFL stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, boxer Anthony Joshua, and actor/businessman Ryan Reynolds. Otro Capital has recently been exploring the sale of its stake, engaging with various prospective investors. Alpine's recent statement acknowledged these exploratory talks, confirming Horner's group as one of the interested parties. The team emphasized that its primary objective remains improving on-track competitiveness, especially in light of the new regulations slated for 2026, which present a unique chance for a sustained recovery in performance. Last season, Alpine finished at the bottom of the F1 team standings.
The possibility of Horner joining Alpine comes at a pivotal time for the team, as they anticipate a significant technical shift in their power unit supplier. His extensive experience and proven track record in team management could be invaluable as Alpine strives to climb the competitive ladder in Formula 1. The outcome of these investment talks could reshape the team's future trajectory and bring a seasoned leader back to the forefront of motorsport.