Christian Horner and Bernie Ecclestone could buy a stake in £1.2bn-valued F1 team, commentator suggests

Commentator Nelson Valkenburg shared his thoughts on Horner’s future during an appearance on The Race F1 Podcast, discussing where the former Red Bull boss might head next.

“When Ferrari was definitely interested, Horner was the right person to attract other big names,” he said. “And that situation changed, though, in the last year and a half. He’s not been able to keep or attract big names to the team, and that’s part of the team’s problems.”

He added: “I just have a feeling he’s going to end up at Alpine. I’ve seen him in talks with both De Meo, who’s out, I know and Briatore for hours and hours.

“What he wants most is to be a team owner. I feel he would love to own a team, and that team is partly up for sale.

“There have been rumours in this paddock that with some backing, maybe from Bernie Ecclestone himself, he could find himself at least as a minority stake owner at Alpine.

He continued: “But that can only happen after January because I think he’s under contract until then at Red Bull. But if I had to put money on it, he’s going to Alpine. But that’s still a long way away.”

Alpine continue to insist their F1 team isn’t up for sale

The grid currently features ten teams, with Cadillac set to become the eleventh when they join next season.

As Formula 1’s financial appeal continues to grow, it’s unlikely any team would be eager to sell while valuations are on the rise.

There have been reports of previous offers being rejected for Racing Bulls, and it’s difficult to see Red Bull parting ways with their sister team unless regulations force their hand.

De Meo has publicly stated he has no plans to sell Alpine, a stance echoed by the team’s advisor, Flavio Briatore, who reassured staff about the future of the organisation.

But with De Meo’s departure approaching, questions remain over whether Renault might reconsider their position.

Briatore has reportedly considered bringing Horner into the fold. But after more than two decades in charge at Red Bull, Horner may prefer a role that offers greater control.

If he were to invest alongside Ecclestone, he’d be joining forces with one of motorsport’s most influential figures.