Christian Horner Eyes Alpine Stake, Threatening Red Bull's Workforce
Six months after leaving Red Bull, Christian Horner is targeting a co-owner role at Alpine. This potential move could trigger a staff exodus from Red Bull, posing a significant threat to his former team's stability during a critical regulatory period.
Six months after his sudden departure from Red Bull Racing, Christian Horner is plotting a dramatic return to the Formula 1 grid. Reports suggest the former team principal is targeting a co-ownership stake at Alpine, a move that would not only reshape the French team but could also trigger a damaging exodus of personnel from his former employers in Milton Keynes.
Why it matters:
Red Bull is currently navigating a precarious transition period following a significant drain of talent last year. The team can ill afford to lose more senior technical staff, particularly with the looming complexity of the upcoming regulatory changes. Horner’s deep-seated loyalty among the workforce makes him a unique threat; his return to the paddock in a leadership capacity could entice key figures to abandon Red Bull right when stability is paramount.
The details:
- The Acquisition Target: Alpine appears to be the only realistic option for Horner. American investment group Otro Capital is reportedly looking to sell its minority stake in the team this year, providing a potential entry point for the Brit.
- Beyond Employment: Unlike a standard return to management, Horner is seeking ownership. This grants him autonomy and bypasses the need to build a team from scratch, which carries no guarantee of a grid slot.
- Operational Shake-up: Should the deal go through, Alpine would likely undergo an aggressive restructuring. Horner is expected to clear out underperforming elements to improve the team's disappointing recent sporting results.
- The Recruitment War: The most alarming prospect for Red Bull is the potential for Horner to recruit from his old stomping grounds. His popularity within the Red Bull factory remains high, and he could easily dismantle the current team's structure by bringing loyalists to Enstone.
What's next:
The situation remains fluid as Horner serves out his gardening leave. While the price tag for the Alpine stake remains unclear, the coming months will likely reveal the seriousness of his intent. For Red Bull, the mere possibility of Horner returning to poach their top talent is a significant source of anxiety as they prepare for the next era of Formula 1.