Christian Horner moves closer to Formula 1 return with Alpine
Christian Horner is edging closer to a Formula 1 comeback, with MSP Sports Capital among investors in discussions about supporting his bid for a stake in Alpine, reports BritPanorama.
The American investment firm, which exited McLaren Racing last autumn, has approached the former Red Bull chief regarding a potential offer for Otro Capital’s 24 per cent holding in the French constructor. This transaction could place Alpine’s valuation between $2 billion and $2.5 billion.
MSP is part of a broader group of prospective backers, including wealthy individuals, family offices, and institutional investors, who have been engaging with Horner about financing his return to the paddock. MSP has a track record in Formula 1 investment, having previously led a 2020 acquisition of a 15 per cent stake in McLaren Racing at a post-money valuation of £560 million. That investment yielded considerable returns when the firm sold its holding last year in a deal valuing McLaren at approximately £3.5 billion.
Alpine confirmed last month that Horner and his consortium were among several parties expressing interest in acquiring the Otro Capital stake. “Any approaches or discussions are with existing shareholders, Otro Capital (24%) and Renault Group (76%), not directly with Flavio Briatore or the team,” the constructor stated. Renault maintains majority ownership of the Enstone-based operation, though its willingness to cede control remains uncertain.
Horner is understood to harbour ambitions beyond a minority position, ultimately seeking a controlling interest in whichever Formula 1 team he joins. The identities of other potential investors backing his consortium have not been established. Alpine had a disappointing 2025 season, finishing tenth and last in the constructors’ standings with just 22 points from 24 races, while McLaren claimed the championship with 833 points.
The potential acquisition would mark a significant rebuilding project for Horner, who spent two decades at Red Bull overseeing six constructors’ and eight drivers’ titles. It also reflects the growing investor interest in Formula 1 assets, further highlighted by Aston Martin’s announcement in July to sell its Grand Prix team stake at a valuation of £2.4 billion.
The prospect of Horner’s return serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of success in the sport and how swiftly fortunes can change in the high-octane world of Formula 1. With every push to reclaim former glory, it becomes clear that this dynamic sport remains as unpredictable as ever.
