Christian Horner returns: Ex-Red Bull boss in talks for Alpine F1 minority stake

The Alpine Formula 1 team confirmed Sunday that former Red Bull principal Christian Horner is part of a group seeking to purchase a minority stake in the outfit, potentially marking a high-profile return to the paddock for the veteran executive.

The announcement came on the eve of preseason testing as Alpine prepares for a transitional year under new technical regulations.

"It is no secret that Otro Capital has held preliminary talks to sell its stake in the team," Alpine said in a statement. "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."

Horner was dismissed by Red Bull in July 2024, ending a 20-year tenure that saw the team capture eight drivers’ championships and six constructors’ titles. His departure followed a period of intense internal turmoil that drew significant global scrutiny to the Red Bull organisation.

The investment news arrives as Alpine undergoes a radical technical shift. The French-owned team, which finished last in the constructors' standings in 2025, has shuttered its own engine program to become a customer of Mercedes power units starting this year.

Otro Capital, which currently holds a 24% stake in the team alongside high-profile athletes and actors, has been exploring a divestment for several months. Any deal involving Horner’s consortium would require approval from Alpine’s parent company, Renault Group.

Preseason testing is scheduled to begin Monday at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, where Alpine is expected to debut its 2026 challenger.

With inputs from AP