Christian Horner targets Alpine investment for Formula 1 return

Former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner is exploring a return to Formula 1 by attempting to acquire a stake in Alpine following the expiration of his non-compete clause.

The 52-year-old was dismissed from his dual roles as team principal and chief executive at Red Bull following the British Grand Prix in July 2025.

His departure ended a highly successful 20-year tenure that yielded multiple world championships with both Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen.

The Briton reportedly accepted a reduced severance package, believed to be around £75m, to secure a shorter gardening leave period and expedite his paddock comeback.

Alpine investment battle looms

Horner is part of an investment consortium interested in purchasing the 24% stake in the Alpine team currently held by US firm Otro Capital.

Securing a significant ownership percentage would afford the former Milton Keynes chief greater operational power and protect him from future dismissals.

However, his route back to the pit wall faces fierce competition from a familiar adversary in the shape of Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff.

The German manufacturer emerged in March as a rival bidder to acquire the same lucrative slice of the French outfit.

Unexpected paddock alliances

In a surprising twist, McLaren chief executive Zak Brown has emerged as an unlikely ally in the Briton’s quest to secure the Alpine investment.

The American executive strongly opposes the concept of affiliated secondary teams in the sport and views an independently operated Alpine as a preferable outcome.

Ahead of this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix, the returning executive has been visibly ramping up his motorsport presence with appearances at recent MotoGP and Formula E events.