Alpine confirms Horner consortium talks to buy minority stake

Alpine has officially confirmed that a consortium led by former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner is in advanced discussions to purchase a minority stake in the team. The talks specifically target the 24% share currently held by investment group Otro Capital, marking a potential dramatic return to the grid for the ousted championship-winning boss.

Why it matters:

Horner’s potential involvement would be one of the most significant shake-ups in the F1 paddock ahead of the 2026 regulation changes. After being sacked by Red Bull following a 20-year tenure that yielded eight drivers' titles, his strategic expertise could be the catalyst Alpine needs to recover from a disastrous 2025 season where they finished last in the standings.

The details:

• The Negotiation Process: Alpine clarified that approaches for investment are being made directly with existing shareholders (Otro Capital), not with team management or Flavio Briatore.
• Renault's Role: While Otro is selling, the Renault Group retains a controlling 76% share and must approve any new investors before the deal is finalized.
• Briatore's Stance: The de facto team principal acknowledged Horner's interest but emphasized the separation of roles, stating he talks to Horner personally but the negotiation is strictly between Horner and Otro.
• Strategic Fit: A move to Alpine would allow Horner to work close to his home in Oxfordshire, leveraging the team's existing infrastructure to challenge the frontrunners.

What's next:

Alpine remains laser-focused on its 2026 campaign under new technical regulations. If the investment is approved, Horner's influence could reshape the team's hierarchy and strategy, aiming to transform them from backmarkers into competitive contenders by the summer.