F1: Christian Horner and fellow investors in talks to buy stake in Alpine
Christan Horner was sacked as Red Bull team principal last year after two decades in the role; 52-year-old involved in a consortium interested in buying Otro Capital’s 24 per cent stake in Alpine; Oxfordshire-based team finished bottom of constructors’ championship in 2025
Sunday 25 January 2026 14:18, UK
Christian Horner is in talks about an F1 comeback, with the former Red Bull team principal's consortium interested in buying a minority stake in Alpine.
Horner was sacked by Red Bull last year after 20 years at the helm but will be free to return to the sport in 2026.
Alpine's de facto team principal Flavio Briatore said the 52-year-old was one of the interested parties eager to purchase Otro Capital's 24 per cent stake and now the team have confirmed as such.
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Renault Group owns a 76 per cent share of Alpine.
Alpine explained that any approaches of investment are with the existing shareholders, not directly with Briatore or the team.
Briatore had told reporters at a media briefing after the team's livery for 2026 was revealed: "Otro wants to sell the participation in Alpine. It's a few groups interested. For the moment, this is the situation.
"I've known Christian for many years, I talk with Christian anyway, but this has nothing to do with me.
"First, you need to buy Otro, and after Renault needs to accept the buyer, and after we see what happens.
"But it has no link with me because he is negotiating with Otro, not negotiating with us."
Joining the Oxfordshire-based team would allow Horner to work close to his home in the county.
During his two decades at Red Bull, he presided over winning eight drivers' world championships and six constructors' titles.
Alpine say their primary focus is to be more competitive on track in 2026 under the new regulations, after they finished rock bottom of the constructors' championship in 2025 with 22 points.
