Christian Horner Negotiates Potential Alpine Investment

Christian Horner, former Red Bull team principal, has emerged as a potential investor in the Alpine F1 team. His interest comes after Alpine’s recent share acquisition by Otro Capital, which holds a 24 percent stake in the team.

Background on Alpine and Otro Capital

This investment group, Otro Capital, purchased its stake for approximately €200 million (equivalent to about $343 million AUD) in 2023. Despite Alpine facing challenges in performance, the value of this stake has increased, reflecting the growing commercial viability of Formula 1.

Current Negotiations

Discussions are ongoing regarding Otro Capital’s stake, which necessitates approval from Renault. Renault owns the remaining 76 percent of Alpine. The potential transaction signals interest from Horner and a broader group of investors who have approached existing shareholders, rather than the team management directly.

• Otros Capital: 24% stake acquired for €200 million.
• Renault Group: 76% stake ownership.
• Increased interest in F1 teams due to rising valuations.

Alpine’s Response

Alpine has confirmed that Horner is among several investors interested in acquiring Otro Capital’s shares. The team acknowledged the surge of interest related to the rapidly growing value of Formula 1 franchises.

Flavio Briatore, acting as Alpine’s de facto team principal, clarified the situation regarding negotiations. He mentioned that while there is significant interest in Otro Capital’s stake, discussions directly involve existing shareholders. Briatore emphasized that actual negotiations for the sale would first require a buyer for the stake, followed by Renault’s approval.

Future Prospects

Briatore expressed confidence in Horner’s capabilities, suggesting that a qualified individual could enhance Alpine. He noted, “I’ve known Christian for many years,” but clarified that current negotiations pertain to Otro Capital exclusively.

Although Horner has maintained a low profile since his exit from Red Bull, he is scheduled to make a public appearance during a speaking tour in Australia. This tour will take him to Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth in late February and early March 2026, offering his first public remarks since departing from Red Bull.

As Alpine gears up for the new regulatory era in 2026, the team aims to enhance its on-track performance while navigating these investor negotiations. The interest from Horner and others illustrates the competitive atmosphere in Formula 1 investments.