F1 expert reveals Christian Horner 'rumour' he's heard after seeing him in talks with two key names

A Formula One expert has spoken out about the latest rumours about former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner's future.

A shock announcement last week confirmed that Red Bull had parted ways with team principal Horner after more than 20 years working together, with former Racing Bulls chief Laurent Mekies being promoted to replace him.

Several factors are believed to have played a role in Red Bull's decision to sack the Englishman, including the team's performances this season and rumours that star driver and four-time champion Max Verstappen could leave to join rivals Mercedes next year.

Although Horner is expected to remain in the sport in some capacity, it is not yet known what his next step is, with rumours suggesting that he could join another team ahead of the major regulation changes next season.

But now, an F1 insider has provided a huge update, revealing that the ex-Red Bull boss had held talks with two huge teams in recent days.

Christian Horner joined Red Bull in 2005. (Image: Getty)

While speaking on The Race F1 Podcast, Dutch commentator and Formula One expert Nelson Valkenburg revealed what he had heard about Horner's future.

He said: “When Ferrari was definitely interested, Horner was the right person to attract other big names.

"And that situation changed, though, in the last year and a half. He’s not been able to keep or attract big names to the team, and that’s part of the team’s problems.

“I just have a feeling he’s going to end up at Alpine. I’ve seen him in talks with both De Meo, who’s out, I know and Briatore for hours and hours."

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However, Valkenburg speculated that he believes that Horner's future in the sport may not be solely as a team principal, revealing he has heard rumours that the 51-year-old would like to become a team owner.

He added" “What he wants most is to be a team owner. I feel he would love to own a team, and that team is partly up for sale.

“There have been rumours in this paddock that with some backing, maybe from Bernie Ecclestone himself, he could find himself at least a minority stake owner at Alpine.

“But that can only happen after January, because I think he’s under contract until then at Red Bull.

“But if I had to put money on it, he’s going to Alpine. But that’s still a long way away.”