Christian Horner, the former Red Bull Racing team principal, has been in discussions with previous McLaren investors about the possibility of purchasing the Alpine Formula 1 team. According to Sky News, Horner, who was dismissed from his role at Red Bull in July last year after a 20-year tenure, is currently negotiating with MSP Sports Capital regarding an investment opportunity in Alpine.
MSP Sports Capital, which sold its stake in McLaren Racing in September 2025, reportedly approached Horner about acquiring a 24% share in the Enstone-based F1 outfit, known as Otro Capital. Horner, who is eager to return to Formula 1, is considering his next career steps as he looks for the right opportunity.
Alpine confirmed last month that Horner is part of a group of investors showing interest in purchasing shares of Otro Capital. In a statement, Alpine highlighted that, with F1’s rapid growth, the team’s value has risen, attracting attention from various investors. They emphasized that any negotiations would be conducted with existing shareholders—Otro Capital holding 24% and Renault Group owning 76%—rather than directly with team boss Flavio Briatore or the Alpine team itself.
Responding to the rumors, Horner told TODAY: “I’ve visited nearly every team on the grid since leaving Red Bull. While there’s been plenty of speculation about where I might go next, that’s common in F1.” He added that he’s working with like-minded individuals who share his ambition to win and that he would only return if the opportunity is right. “If I do come back, it would be in a new kind of role compared to what I’ve done in the last two decades,” Horner said. He also noted the growing interest in Formula 1 from investors but stressed that he’s in no rush to return. “If my time in F1 ends with Red Bull, I’ll be satisfied with a remarkable career. I’ll only come back for something truly exciting and with genuine chances to win.”
Fan Take:
This potential move by Christian Horner is huge for Formula 1 fans because it brings one of the sport’s most successful and influential figures back into the paddock, possibly shaking up the team dynamics. If Horner leads Alpine’s reinvention, it could signal a fresh challenge to the current powerhouses and inject new competition and excitement into the championship.
