Christian Horner is in talks to return to F1, with a consortium of former Red Bull team principals interested in buying a minority stake in Alpine.
Horner was sacked by Red Bull last year after 20 years in charge, but will return to the sport on a free transfer in 2026.
Alpine’s de facto team boss Flavio Briatore said the 52-year-old was one of the interested parties keen to buy a 24% stake in Otro Capital, which the team has now confirmed.
Renault Group owns 76% of Alpine.
Alpine explained that all investment approaches will be with existing shareholders and not directly with Briatore or his team.
Horner and Flavio Briatore (right) could form a partnership at Alpine
“Otolo wants to market its participation in Alpine. There are several groups interested. For now, this is the situation,” Briatore told reporters at a press conference after the 2026 team colors were announced.
“I’ve known Christian for many years and I talk to Christian anyway, but this has nothing to do with me.
“First we have to buy Otro, then Renault has to accept a buyer and then we’ll see what happens.
“But he’s not negotiating with us, he’s negotiating with Otro, so that has nothing to do with me.”
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Alpine has removed the cover of its 2026 F1 car, the A526, during a launch event on a boat in Barcelona.
Joining the Oxfordshire-based team will enable Mr Horner to work closer to home in the county.
In his 20 years with Red Bull, he won eight Drivers’ World Championships and six Constructors’ titles.
Alpine said its main focus was to be more competitive on the circuit in 2026 under the new regulations, after finishing bottom of the constructors’ championship with 22 points in 2025.
