Jan.8 (GMM) Christian Horner’s path back to Formula 1 is proving far more complex than early winter rumours suggested, with talks understood to be underway on two separate fronts.
Since his shock departure from Red Bull Racing last July, Horner has been repeatedly linked with a return in time for the new regulation cycle. Alpine has been the most persistent name, but reports in Germany indicate the former Red Bull boss is keeping his options open.
According to f1-insider.com, Horner is not only in discussions with Alpine but has also held exploratory talks connected to Aston Martin, backed by American investors.
Central to both scenarios is Otro Capital, which currently owns 24 percent of Alpine. The same group is said to be open to selling its stake after Alpine’s continued struggles, while simultaneously eyeing a move into Aston Martin alongside Horner. High-profile investors linked to Otro Capital include Ryan Reynolds and Patrick Mahomes.
Alpine’s shares, bought in mid-2023 for around 200 million euros, are believed to have at least doubled in value. Horner, for his part, is said to want more than another team principal role, instead pushing for a co-owner position similar to that held by Toto Wolff at Mercedes.
At Alpine, Horner would find allies. Chief advisor Flavio Briatore is considered a close confidant, while former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has privately encouraged him to pursue a stake rather than a straight employment deal.
But significant obstacles remain. Auto motor und sport reports that Briatore could step aside if Horner ultimately arrives, with any Alpine ownership decision unlikely before deep into 2026. There are also concerns that a Horner stake could unsettle Alpine’s engine partner Mercedes, given his long-standing rivalry with Wolff.
Aston Martin presents its own complications. Design chief and shareholder Adrian Newey is understood to have little appetite for a reunion, partly over fears that a Horner-led structure could deter a future move by Max Verstappen.
There is also a contractual barrier. Horner’s Red Bull severance deal reportedly includes gardening leave until May 2026, after a payout of around 60 million, though it remains unclear whether that restriction applies to an investor-only role.
Meanwhile, paddock rumours over the Christmas and New Year period linking Verstappen’s long-time and prominent race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase to Williams or Aston Martin have faded. ‘GP’ is now set to remain in place.
Reports in the Netherlands suggest personal circumstances, including serious illness in his family, contributed to the heightened emotions seen at the end of last season.