Ralf Schumacher suggests replacing F1 team boss with 43 wins by Christian Horner

There have been rumours about Horner teaming up with Toyota as they look to buy Haas. He has also been linked with Cadillac, though they have just brought in Graeme Lowdon to head up their new team.

Ralf Schumacher believes Alpine need to alter Flavio Briatore’s role to make room for Christian Horner

Horner’s most realistic option so far seems to be Alpine. Steve Nielsen has just taken on the managing director role, reporting to Flavio Briatore.

Although his official title is ‘executive advisor’, Briatore holds the highest authority at the Enstone-based F1 team. There is even talk that Horner could buy a stake in Alpine, giving him significant influence over team decisions.

While Briatore oversaw 43 race victories and four world championships during his time with Benetton and Renault, Ralf Schumacher believes it is time for a more technically skilled leader like Horner to step in.

“I think the time for figures like Flavio is over. You need technically skilled people at the top, someone like Horner. Flavio could then help as an organiser and networker, as a face to the outside world,” he told Bild.

Why Christian Horner may have to issue an apology before he joins Alpine

Nico Rosberg thinks it would be a “great story” if Horner joined Alpine, a team that has managed just one win and six podiums since their 2021 rebrand. Even so, there are a few hurdles to clear, even if Briatore were open to stepping aside.

Horner’s past criticism of Renault, then Red Bull’s engine supplier, strained relations with Cyril Abiteboul. Renault has since exited F1 engine production, with the team switching to Mercedes power units next year.

Despite those changes, the French company is still the majority shareholder in the team, so Horner might need to address his past comments before any move can happen.

Technically, Horner is still under contract with Red Bull. He has not been sacked but has been removed from his role as team principal. He’s currently negotiating an exit package for a deal that was supposed to run through 2030.