Christian Horner F1 return rumours grow after report of £700m stake on table

According to a report from Bild, there are growing signs that Christian Horner and Alpine could be heading towards a partnership.

While nothing has been finalised, one of Alpine’s part-owners is reportedly open to selling their stake in the team.

Renault co-owns Alpine alongside Otro Capital, which holds 24% of the team’s shares. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Rory McIlroy are among the high-profile backers of Otro Capital, who paid £175m for their stake in 2023. That same stake is now estimated to be worth around £700m.

BILD adds that talks between Horner and Otro Capital are expected to resume early next year, with Horner said to have financial backing lined up for the deal.

This would make him a part-owner of Alpine, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he also took on the team principal role again.

Although Horner reportedly gave up part of his Red Bull severance package to facilitate an earlier return to F1, he still can’t come back until at least April. By then, Alpine’s 2026 car will have already competed in several races and they’ll have a clearer picture of where they stand in the field.

Alpine ready for Horner’s help, but 2026 may be too soon

Alpine finished bottom of the constructors’ championship last season and are now banking on new regulations to help them turn things around.

Pierre Gasly has previous experience working with Horner, though his stint at Red Bull didn’t even last a full season.

There was a brief moment when Red Bull showed interest in Franco Colapinto following an impressive debut season with Williams back in 2024.

The Argentinian, however, failed to pick up a single point after stepping in for Jack Doohan. And based on what we know from Horner’s career, he won’t put up with a driver who isn’t producing results.

Horner is seeking full control at Alpine, but that might not align with the interests of current advisor Flavio Briatore.