Former Red Bull CEO and team principal Christian Horner is reportedly orchestrating a Formula 1 comeback by acquiring a stake in the Alpine F1 team. Horner, who was dismissed from Red Bull in July 2025 after a 20-year association with the team, is eager to return to the sport. Despite being on gardening leave until April 2026, the 52-year-old is actively pursuing avenues for a return.

Sources indicate that Horner is in advanced negotiations to purchase a stake in Alpine, leading a consortium of investors. This move would grant him significant influence over the team's operations, a key factor in his desire to return to Formula 1. Horner is reportedly seeking a role that allows him to shape the direction of the team, similar to Toto Wolff's position at Mercedes. He is not interested in a team principal role where he would simply report to someone else.

Alpine has faced challenges, finishing at the bottom of the Constructors' Championship in 2025. The team's struggles and the end of their Renault engine program, switching to Mercedes power for 2026, have fueled speculation about a potential sale. In 2023, Alpine sold a 24% stake to investors, including Otro Capital, RedBird Capital Partners, and Maximum Effort Investments (led by Ryan Reynolds), suggesting a reluctance from Renault to invest further in the F1 project.

Horner has reportedly raised €763 million (approximately $896 million) for the takeover, aiming to secure a majority stake in Alpine. This portfolio of shares could be part of Horner's strategy, with his consortium preparing to purchase a majority stake. German media sources suggest that Horner desires sole control, a goal he couldn't achieve at Red Bull Racing.

However, the potential deal may face hurdles. Flavio Briatore is currently at the helm of Alpine, and his role could be diminished with Horner's arrival. Some observers question whether two such strong personalities could coexist within the same operation. Despite Managing Director Steve Nielsen stating in October that there was "no truth in Christian coming to Alpine," he also acknowledged, "This is Formula 1 after all".

Alpine's future direction remains uncertain, but the potential arrival of Christian Horner could mark a significant shift for the team. With his extensive experience and a consortium of investors, Horner aims to revitalize Alpine and re-establish himself as a prominent figure in Formula 1.