Horner linked with Alpine stake bid as Cadillac debuts livery on track
Christian Horner is reportedly in talks, backed by MSP Sports Capital, to acquire a major stake in the Alpine F1 team, marking a potential sensational return to the sport. Separately, the Cadillac F1 team has completed its first track running in Bahrain with its new livery, finalizing preparations for its debut season.
Christian Horner's potential return to Formula 1 is gaining momentum with reports linking him to a bid for a significant stake in the Alpine team, backed by a former McLaren investor. Meanwhile, the new Cadillac F1 team has taken its striking Super Bowl-revealed livery for its first on-track run in Bahrain ahead of the final pre-season test.
Why it matters:
Horner's potential move to Alpine represents a major power shift in the F1 paddock, injecting a proven, championship-winning leader into a team that has struggled for direction. For Cadillac, hitting the track marks a crucial final step in its transition from concept to a real, competing entity just weeks before its grand prix debut, testing both its brand-new car and operational readiness under real conditions.
The Details:
- Horner's Alpine Play: Sky Sports reports that American private equity firm MSP Sports Capital is backing Horner in a potential offer for Otro Capital's 24% stake in Alpine. MSP sold its stake in McLaren Racing last summer.
- The Investor's Role: MSP's involvement provides crucial financial backing and F1 investment experience for Horner's bid, which aims to acquire a controlling influence in the Enstone-Viry based squad.
- Horner's Status: The 52-year-old has been absent from the F1 grid since being dismissed by Red Bull Racing following a period of disappointing results and off-track controversies. He has publicly expressed his desire to return to the sport.
Between the lines:
A Horner-led Alpine would signal a complete cultural overhaul for the French team. Known for his intense, hands-on management style and political acumen at Red Bull, Horner's approach would starkly contrast with Alpine's recent internal instability and conservative structure. His potential arrival is less about a simple investment and more about an aggressive takeover of the team's competitive direction, aiming to replicate his past success in a new environment.
Cadillac's Track Debut:
The new American team utilized a promotional filming day at the Bahrain International Circuit to run its 2026 car with its full race livery for the first time. Both drivers, Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas, completed installation laps and short runs to validate systems and procedures. The running serves as a critical shakedown before the official, and final, pre-season test at the same venue.
What's next:
Attention turns to the progress of Horner's bid and whether it can be formalized before the start of the season, which would immediately become one of the biggest stories of the year. For Cadillac, the focus is squarely on the upcoming three-day test in Bahrain from February 11-13, which will provide the first true competitive benchmark for the team against the established grid.