Horner's Alpine Move Stalled by Shareholder Clause Until 2026

Christian Horner's ambitious plan to return to Formula 1 with Alpine is hitting a significant roadblock. The former Red Bull team principal, who left in July 2025, is reportedly eyeing a minority takeover, but a shareholder agreement could delay his comeback until the 2026 season is well underway.

Why it matters:

For a team that finished last in the 2025 season, securing a leader with Horner's winning pedigree could be a transformative move. His potential arrival would not only shake up the grid but also signal a serious intent from Alpine to challenge the front-runners. This situation also highlights the complex financial and legal hurdles that now dictate team leadership changes in modern F1, moving beyond simple appointments to intricate corporate maneuvers.

The details:

• The Blocker: Alpine's Articles of Association contain a "lock-in" period for the 24% stake held by Otro Capital, which includes investors like Ryan Reynolds. This clause prevents the sale of the shares without Renault's explicit approval until September 2026.
• Horner's Ambition: He isn't seeking a simple Team Principal role. Horner wants "skin in the game," a significant shareholding similar to Toto Wolff's model at Mercedes, to have real leverage and control.
• Financial Hurdle: Acquiring a meaningful stake requires immense capital, likely from external investors. Such a deal could also leave Horner personally exposed to debt tied to the team's performance, making it a high-stakes gamble.
• Renault's Control: The French automotive giant remains firmly in the driver's seat. They are under no obligation to expedite any deal, despite the potential benefits of partnering with a figure of Horner's caliber.

What's next:

The timeline creates a significant waiting period. Horner's gardening leave from Red Bull expires in April 2026, but the shareholding restriction isn't lifted until September, potentially keeping him on the sidelines for most of the 2026 season's first half. The initial excitement surrounding the move has reportedly cooled, turning the situation into a high-stakes waiting game where Renault holds all the cards. Whether a "September surge" can materialize into a Horner-led Alpine revival remains a major question heading into the new season.