The saga involving Christian Horner and a return to Formula 1 has taken a new twist amid talks of a £700 million deal.
Back in July, Horner was relieved of his duties as Team Principal and CEO with immediate effect.
Red Bull then replaced the Englishman with Laurent Mekies, who was promoted from sister team Visa Cash App Racing Bulls.
Since leaving the Milton Keynes-based team, Horner has been linked with a swift return to the sport.
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The likes of Ferrari and Aston Martin have previously been linked with the 52-year-old.
Meanwhile, it was reported earlier this month that Horner has been in talks to join Alpine in 2026.
According to Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, the 52-year-old could join the French team as soon as spring next year, when his gardening leave after his Red Bull departure will be over.
However, according to German news outlet BILD, talks between Horner and Alpine are 'not at an advanced stage'.
It has been claimed that Otro Capital, who own 24% of Alpine shares, are ready to sell.
The report stated that the shares are worth around €800 million (£700 million).
BILD stated that the sale 'will continue to be negotiated early next year'.
It is believed that Horner has managed to gather investors since leaving Red Bull and will be able to finance the takeover.
Horner is said to be eager to return to F1.
The report stated: "The Briton wants to show his ex-team and his leaders that it was a mistake to fire him. It is important to him that this time he is not just a pure employee, but a co-owner. Another quick and surprising dismissal would not be possible again.
"But it is not a quick start either. Not only because the negotiations are complicated, but also because Horner still has a paddock and Formula 1 ban until the end of April. Red Bull has anchored this in the termination of the contract with the Briton."
Topics: Christian Horner, Formula 1
Marcus Chan