Briatore Confirms Horner Negotiating for Alpine Stake

Alpine executive advisor Flavio Briatore has confirmed that Christian Horner is actively negotiating to acquire a stake in the team through Otro Capital. While Briatore insists talks are with the investment group rather than Alpine directly, the move would mark a stunning return to Formula 1 for the former Red Bull team principal.

Why it matters:

Alpine is currently in the midst of a significant restructuring under Briatore’s influence, and injecting a proven winner like Horner into the mix could accelerate their climb up the grid. However, the deal hinges on complex financial maneuvering and Renault's final approval, potentially reshaping the team's hierarchy and future strategy.

The details:

• The Otro Connection: Horner is reportedly targeting the 24% minority stake in Alpine held by Otro Capital and celebrity investors. This stake has significantly appreciated in value since 2023, aligning perfectly with Horner’s long-held preference for equity over a standard employment contract.
• Briatore’s Stance: The Alpine chief acknowledged the "confusion" surrounding the stake but clarified that Horner is negotiating with Otro, not the team itself. "He's negotiating with Otro, he's not negotiating with us," Briatore stated, emphasizing that any deal requires Renault to accept the buyer.
• Strategic Fit: Despite previously downplaying Horner's involvement last August, Briatore recently left the door open, stating that "everybody's a good asset" depending on their position. This comes as Alpine appoints Steve Nielsen as managing director while Briatore acts as the de facto team principal.

Between the lines:

While officially labeled "hypothetical" by the team, the silence from Horner and the careful ambiguity from Briatore suggest serious movement behind the scenes. Even a minority stake would place one of F1’s most influential operators back inside a team desperate for momentum, though Renault retains the ultimate veto power over any new shareholders.