Christian Horner, the former Red Bull team principal who departed the championship-winning squad last summer, is now in discussions with MSP Sports Capital about joining a consortium interested in buying a stake in Alpine’s Formula 1 team.
The investment firm, which previously held a significant stake in McLaren Racing before selling it last September, is assembling a group of wealthy individuals and institutional investors to pursue Otro Capital’s 24% share in the French squad.
Horner’s departure from Red Bull came seventeen months after facing accusations of inappropriate behavior. He left the team in July 2025 following the British Grand Prix, with his official exit finalized in September.
Laurent Mekies, previously leading Racing Bulls, took over his position. Horner’s tenure with Red Bull had lasted an impressive twenty years since 2005.
Alpine confirmed that Horner is part of an investor group expressing interest in the team. Flavio Briatore, a team executive, acknowledged that negotiations are underway.
The potential deal values Alpine between $2 billion and $2.5 billion, reflecting how Formula 1 team valuations have skyrocketed in recent years.
Otro Capital acquired its 24% stake in 2023, bringing along celebrity investors like actor Ryan Reynolds and golfer Rory McIlroy. Meanwhile, the Renault Group maintains majority control with its remaining 76% stake.
While purchasing Otro’s share wouldn’t give Horner’s consortium majority control, it would provide a meaningful seat at the decision-making table.
Since leaving Red Bull, Horner has spoken with nearly every team on the grid. He’s been clear about his requirements for returning to Formula 1: he wants either part-ownership or a senior leadership role with people focused on winning.
After twenty-one years as team principal, he’s seeking something different this time around.
Alpine faces significant challenges ahead. The team finished dead last in the 2025 Championship, though they’ve already shifted focus to the 2026 car under new regulations.
They’re switching to Mercedes power units after closing their Renault engine operation, hoping this fresh start brings better results. The team operates from the same factory that housed Benetton during its championship-winning years in 1994 and 1995. MSP’s chairman Jahm Najafi brings extensive investment and sports governance experience to the potential consortium. Whether Horner becomes part of Alpine’s recovery story remains uncertain, but discussions continue moving forward.
This potential transaction would require appropriate financial intermediaries such as stock brokers to facilitate parts of the deal.
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