Christian Horner in talks to purchase stake in Alpine
Christian Horner is reportedly engaged in advanced negotiations to purchase a significant ownership stake in Alpine as he prepares his return to Formula 1 this spring, but has been warned off a move, reports BritPanorama.
The former Red Bull chief, who departed the Milton Keynes outfit last summer after two decades at the helm, is said to be targeting Otro Capital’s 24 per cent holding in the French constructor. Should the deal materialise, it would value Alpine at approximately £2.5 billion.
Otro Capital acquired its stake from Renault for £173 million in 2023, meaning the shares would now be worth some £600 million. The consortium is understood to welcome Horner’s potential involvement; however, Bernie Ecclestone has cautioned him against investing in the struggling French outfit.
Ecclestone has instead encouraged the 52-year-old to pursue opportunities at Aston Martin. Reports indicate that Otro Capital could potentially be involved in any Silverstone-based venture, suggesting the negotiations surrounding Horner’s return are rather intricate. Flavio Briatore, a close confidante of Horner, currently oversees Alpine’s operations.
The team endured a dismal 2024 campaign, finishing bottom of the constructors’ championship standings. Alpine will switch to Mercedes power units from 2026, running the German engines through to 2030. Despite the discussions, Horner has reportedly dismissed the prospect of joining Aston Martin under its present ownership structure.
Horner has no desire to work alongside Lawrence Stroll’s management team. The principal stumbling block concerns the driver line-up, which Horner would be unable to alter to his liking. Lance Stroll, the owner’s son, occupies one of the team’s seats and is widely expected to retain his position as long as his father controls the Silverstone operation.
Lawrence Stroll invested substantially in his son’s racing career, supporting his progression to Formula 1 with Williams in 2017. The prospect of Horner arriving at Aston Martin has reportedly unsettled Adrian Newey, the current team principal following a leadership restructure in late November. Despite their shared success at Red Bull in previous years, Newey has little appetite for renewing their professional partnership, as he fears Horner’s presence could undermine Aston Martin’s efforts to secure Max Verstappen, his primary driver target.
Verstappen himself has acknowledged that Red Bull ceased functioning properly in the period preceding Horner’s departure. While the Dutchman remains appreciative of his former boss, he may no longer view those methods as suitable.
In the turbulent landscape of Formula 1, Horner’s journey underscores the complexities of team dynamics and the enduring struggle for power amidst shifting alliances.
