Christian Horner may be on the verge of an unexpected return to Formula 1, just six months after being dismissed by Red Bull Racing.
Teams are busy putting the final touches on their new cars ahead of a private test in Barcelona at the end of January.
How those cars perform could have a big impact on how much time each team principal gets to keep their job, with Ferrari’s Fred Vasseur already feeling the heat after a disappointing 2025 season.
One team looking to turn things around from last year is Alpine.
After finishing at the bottom of the constructors’ standings, they’ve decided to drop Renault engines and will start using Mercedes power units from 2026.
Pedro Fermin Flores has now reported that Horner and Alpine could be edging closer to working together next season in what might be a beneficial move for both sides.
Christian Horner said to be in advanced talks over Alpine part-ownership
Writing on his website, Flores has shared more details about Horner’s potential link-up with Alpine.
It’s long been thought that Horner wouldn’t return to Formula 1 unless it was as an owner rather than just as a team principal.
The report adds that it is ‘highly unlikely’ for him to keep working with Flavio Briatore, despite the positive relationship they share.
Flores added: “The Briton is clear about the objectives and conditions for his possible entry. He will only join if he becomes a shareholder of the British-French team. Furthermore, if this occurs, he will not join alone.”
He continued: “His intention is to bring investors to the cause and add a significant number of people close to him who have followed him since he left Red Bull.”
If agreed upon, this would put him in line with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, who recently sold part of his shares in the team.
The influx of cash would allow Horner to have a real say on how things are run at Alpine – similar to what Wolff has done since arriving at Mercedes in 2013.
No official agreement has yet been reached between Alpine and Horner, but the possibility is certainly there for both sides.
Alpine’s stakeholders consider sale to Christian Horner after challenging 2025 campaign
In most sports, finishing at the bottom of the standings usually means a drop in value for the team involved.
But Formula 1 has grown so much recently that Otro Capital, who invested in Alpine less than three years ago, would still turn a healthy profit if Horner’s group moves forward with their bid.
Reports suggest that Alpine’s minority owners are prepared to sell, which could help push negotiations along.
The bigger question is whether Renault, who hold the majority stake in Alpine, sees Horner as part of their future. His relationship with Briatore might work in his favour there.
If Horner does come on board, he’d likely want to play an active role. That could create some uncertainty around current team principal Steve Nielsen’s position.
There are also rumours that several Red Bull staff contracts include clauses tied to Horner. If he joins Alpine, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a few familiar faces follow him over.
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