The former Red Bull chief is plotting a Formula One return – despite a ban until April

Christian Horner appears to be edging closer to a Formula 1 return, with reports suggesting the former Red Bull team principal could secure a stake in Alpine through a deal worth approximately £700 million.

The 52-year-old, who resides near Banbury in Oxfordshire, departed Red Bull earlier this year following two decades at the helm of the Milton Keynes outfit.

According to German publication Bild, Otro Capital, which holds a 24 per cent share in the Anglo-French racing team, is prepared to sell its stake.

Discussions between Horner and the investment group are expected to recommence at the start of 2026.

Christian Horner has been tipped to return to F1 with Alpine

 | REUTERSHowever, the British motorsport figure remains barred from the Formula 1 paddock until the conclusion of April, a condition embedded within his Red Bull severance agreement.

This restriction means Horner cannot make his return until Alpine’s 2026 challenger has already competed in multiple grands prix.

Reports state that Horner is pursuing co-ownership rather than a conventional employment arrangement, a strategic decision designed to protect him from experiencing another abrupt dismissal.

“Horner is still banned from heading back to the F1 paddock until the end of April under the terms of his sacking,” the publication noted.

His reported £80 million departure package from Red Bull came after extensive negotiations.

Christian Horner was sacked in July by Red Bull, with terms being reached over a settlement that prevents him from taking a new post until April | GETTY

Otro Capital’s investment has appreciated substantially since the group acquired its Alpine stake for £175 million in 2023, with that same holding now valued at roughly £700 million.

The investor consortium counts Liverpool footballer Trent Alexander-Arnold and golf champion Rory McIlroy among its notable backers.

Bild reports that Horner has assembled financial support from investors to fund the prospective acquisition.

It was noted that whilst talks are ongoing, they are “not at an advanced stage” at present.

Should the transaction proceed, Horner would become a part-owner of Alpine, likely positioning him to assume team principal responsibilities once more.

Christian Horner has plans on investing in F1 team Alpine | PA

Alpine endured a dismal 2025 campaign, finishing at the bottom of the constructors’ standings, and the team hopes forthcoming regulation changes will herald an upturn in fortunes.

Horner’s track record speaks for itself, having overseen eight drivers’ world championships and six constructors’ titles during his tenure at Red Bull.

His ambition to exercise complete control at Alpine may prove contentious, however, given the presence of Flavio Briatore as the team’s current advisor.

Pierre Gasly previously worked under Horner’s leadership, though his spell at Red Bull proved brief, lasting less than a complete season before his departure.