The former F1 chief has offered strategic advice as Horner explores potential ownership options in the paddock.
Christian Horner is preparing for a return to Formula 1 following the end of his two-decade tenure at Red Bull last summer. Under the terms of his severance agreement, Horner is free to re-enter the sport this spring, and while Bernie Ecclestone has suggested a move into MotoGP, Horner remains determined to stay within the F1 world.
Rather than stepping back into a traditional team principal role, Horner is now exploring the possibility of acquiring an ownership stake in a team. With the leading outfits currently out of reach, his options lie among the midfield contenders or, alternatively, the ambitious route of building a new operation from the ground up — a path he previously helped Red Bull transform into a championship-winning powerhouse.
Ecclestone advises Horner to prioritise Aston Martin over Alpine
Horner has reportedly held discussions with Alpine, who finished at the bottom of last season’s constructors’ standings. The opportunity would involve purchasing the 24% stake currently owned by Otro Capital, a consortium backed by high-profile investors from Hollywood and professional sports.
However, according to F1-Insider, Ecclestone has warned Horner against investing in the French outfit and instead encouraged him to focus on Aston Martin. The same report suggests that Otro Capital could also be involved in that potential partnership, pointing to a complex and evolving negotiation landscape.
Aston Martin itself recently underwent a leadership reshuffle, with Andy Cowell appointed chief strategy officer and Adrian Newey stepping into the team principal role in late November.
Why Horner’s presence could complicate Aston Martin’s ambitions
Despite their long and successful history together at Red Bull, Newey is said to have little interest in renewing his professional partnership with Horner. Although the two have repaired their personal relationship, sources indicate Newey remains cautious about working alongside him again in a team environment.
More significantly, Newey reportedly believes Horner’s involvement could weaken Aston Martin’s pursuit of Max Verstappen, who remains his primary driver target. Verstappen has previously stated that Red Bull had stopped functioning effectively in the period leading up to Horner’s departure, and while he remains respectful of his former boss, he may no longer see Horner’s methods as the best path forward.
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