Christian Horner in talks for potential Alpine F1 investment

Christian Horner, the former Red Bull Racing team principal, has reportedly held discussions with investment firm MSP Sports Capital about backing a potential investment in the Alpine Formula 1 team. This follows months of speculation about Horner's future since his departure from Red Bull in mid-2025, with the veteran F1 figure stating he would only return for a "genuinely exciting" winning project.

Why it matters:

Horner's potential involvement with Alpine represents one of the most significant off-track storylines, linking a proven championship-winning leader with a manufacturer team struggling to reach the front of the grid. His return, even in a different role, could signal a major strategic shift for Alpine and inject experienced leadership into its operations, potentially altering the team's trajectory in the cost-cap era where operational excellence is paramount.

The details:

• According to a Sky News report, MSP Sports Capital is among a group of investors who have held talks with Horner about supporting his next move in F1. The firm previously held a stake in McLaren Racing before selling it in September 2025.
• Horner addressed the persistent rumors in an interview, acknowledging the speculation but stopping short of confirming any specific deal. "I'd only come back for the right opportunity, working with the right people that are like-minded and want to win. I've got no interest in just taking part," he stated.
• He hinted that a return would likely be in a different capacity than his previous role as team principal and CEO, a position he held at Red Bull for over two decades. "If I were to come back, it would be in a slightly different role to the one that I performed for the last 21 years or so," Horner added.
• Alpine, owned by Renault, has undergone significant management changes in recent years and has consistently underperformed relative to its works team status and ambitions, finishing sixth in the 2025 constructors' championship.

What's next:

The talks are reported to be in the early stages, and it remains unclear if they will materialize into a formal investment or role for Horner. His conditions for a return—a project with winning potential and like-minded partners—suggest any deal would require a clear and committed competitive vision from Alpine's ownership. For now, Horner appears content to wait, stating he is "in no rush" and would view his career as "an incredible run" even if it ended with his Red Bull tenure. However, his continued engagement in talks keeps the door open for a major comeback that could reshape the leadership landscape of the F1 midfield.