Christian Horner's Alpine gambit: navigating F1's most complex ownership drama

Christian Horner has entered active negotiations to purchase Otro Capital's 24% stake in Alpine Formula 1, according to Alpine executive adviser Flavio Briatore, potentially marking the former Red Bull chief's most credible pathway back to the paddock following his surprise departure last July. Speaking during Alpine's 2026 livery unveiling in Barcelona, Briatore acknowledged that the 52-year-old British motorsport executive is among several interested parties pursuing the high-profile minority ownership currently held by the investment consortium.

The confirmation comes after months of speculation surrounding Horner's future in Formula 1. Since his shock removal from his role as Red Bull team principal and CEO—ending a 20-year tenure with the Milton Keynes squad—the former Williams and Benetton engineer has been linked with various opportunities across the grid. Preliminary discussions with Aston Martin and Haas reportedly reached impasses, but Alpine has emerged as the most serious possibility for his return to a significant operational and ownership role within F1.

Understanding the complex ownership structure

Alpine's ownership architecture presents a fascinating—and intricate—landscape. The team remains majority-owned by French automotive giant Renault, which retains 75% of the organization and maintains significant governance powers, including veto authority over potential new shareholders. The remaining 24% stake belongs to Otro Capital, a private investment firm that secured the shareholding for approximately €200 million in 2023.

Otro Capital's investor consortium reads like a who's who of celebrity and athletic stardom: actors Ryan Reynolds and Michael B. Jordan, Kansas City Chiefs players Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, and professional golfer Rory McIlroy headline the group. This high-profile backing has attracted considerable media attention to Alpine's operations, yet recent on-track performance has failed to match the investment's magnitude.

Why Horner's equity requirement matters

Understanding Horner's insistence on equity ownership—rather than accepting a conventional management role—is crucial to comprehending this complex negotiation. The British executive's preference for shareholding mirrors arrangements enjoyed by other senior F1 figures, most notably Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, who retains ownership equity within the Silver Arrows. This strategic positioning allows Horner to maintain direct financial interest in team performance while protecting his operational autonomy.

Horner's equity requirements reportedly derailed earlier discussions with Aston Martin and Haas, where teams were unwilling to offer shareholding alongside management appointments. Alpine's fractional structure, however, presents a unique opportunity: Otro Capital appears willing to divest its stake, creating a pathway for equity acquisition rather than forcing Horner into a subordinate management position.

The approval gauntlet: a multi-stage process

The road to Horner's Alpine return involves a labyrinthine approval process that cannot be overlooked. Briatore emphasized the sequential requirements with characteristic Italian directness: "First you need to buy Otro, and after Renault needs to accept the buyer, and after we see what happens"

This two-stage gatekeeping mechanism ensures neither party can be bypassed. Horner must first negotiate successfully with Otro Capital to acquire the 24% stake—a process complicated by multiple bidders reportedly circling the investment group. Subsequently, Renault's majority ownership grants the French manufacturer approval authority over new shareholders, providing the automotive giant strategic control over Alpine's strategic direction.

Briatore was careful to distance himself from direct negotiations, clarifying: "He's negotiating with Otro, he's not negotiating with us" This distinction proves important, as it suggests Alpine's internal hierarchy—where Briatore effectively operates as team boss despite Steve Nielsen holding the official managing director title—remains separate from ownership negotiations.

The broader context: multiple suitors circling

Briatore revealed that Otro Capital faces interest from approximately six to seven potential buyers, with new inquiries emerging regularly. This competitive environment has elevated the valuation since 2023, even as Alpine's on-track fortunes have declined materially in recent seasons. The heightened demand reflects the strategic value investors perceive in maintaining Formula 1 exposure, particularly with the sport's evolving commercial landscape and technological innovations on the horizon.

For Horner, competitive pressure to secure the stake may intensify timelines and negotiations, particularly if rival bidders emerge with stronger financial positions or governance proposals.

A qualified endorsement from Briatore

When asked whether Horner would represent a valuable addition to Alpine, Briatore offered diplomatic encouragement: "I think everybody's a good asset to the team, depending on what position you put the people" The response, while carefully measured, suggests Briatore maintains openness to Horner's involvement—provided structural and ownership arrangements satisfy all stakeholders.

Briatore's long-standing personal friendship with Horner may prove advantageous in navigating the complex approval processes ahead. However, the Italian executive's emphasis on proper procedural channels suggests sentiment alone cannot overcome governance requirements.

The broader implications for Alpine and F1

A successful Horner acquisition would fundamentally reshape Alpine's operational landscape. The appointment of an executive with Horner's Red Bull pedigree—and his demonstrated capabilities in constructing championship-winning organizations—could signal a strategic recalibration for the French team. Conversely, the ongoing uncertainty surrounding ownership and leadership creates potential instability heading into the 2026 season and beyond.

For Formula 1 more broadly, Horner's return through Alpine would inject significant personality and expertise into grid competition while potentially creating organizational dynamics worth monitoring as the sport evolves under new technical and commercial regulations.