Christian Horner is making bold moves to reclaim his position in Formula 1, with whispers of a potential complete takeover of a struggling team. After two decades of steering the ship at Red Bull, Horner’s exit in July marked the end of an illustrious chapter. He was succeeded by Laurent Mekies, but the seasoned strategist is not ready to fade into the background just yet. Currently on gardening leave until spring 2026, Horner is already exploring new horizons, with Alpine emerging as a prime target for his ambitions.
According to Dutch sources, Horner is eyeing a significant stake in Alpine, potentially looking to acquire a 24 percent share from current owners Otro Capital. This move could set the stage for him to exert greater influence over the team’s future. Swiss F1 journalist Roger Benoit has also backed these claims, suggesting that Horner’s intention is not just to join Alpine but to “take over completely” in the near future.
What makes Alpine particularly appealing for Horner is his longstanding relationship with Flavio Briatore, the de facto team principal. Their partnership could pave the way for a smooth transition as Horner aims to steer Alpine away from the dismal performance that saw them finish last in the constructors’ championship during the tumultuous 2025 season. With drivers Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto often trapped in a competitive limbo, the team is desperate for a turnaround.
Looking ahead, Alpine is set to become a Mercedes customer team starting in 2026. If the performance of the Mercedes power unit lives up to expectations, there’s potential for Alpine to rise significantly in the midfield ranks. However, mediocrity will not suffice for Briatore, who is on the hunt for a leader of Horner’s caliber. With eight drivers’ championships and six constructors’ titles under his belt, Horner has a proven track record of transforming teams into championship contenders.
The stage is set for a dramatic reshaping of Alpine, with Horner poised to make a significant impact. As the F1 landscape evolves, all eyes will be on whether Horner can once again carve out a legacy, this time in a different team. The journey from Red Bull to Alpine could be the next thrilling chapter in his storied career, and motorsport fans are eagerly awaiting the outcome.
