An F1 team have all but ruled out Christian Horner joining them following his Red Bull sacking.
Horner, 51, was relieved of his duties as Red Bull team principal back in July, following 20 years in the role.
There was no official explanation given for his dismissal, which came 17 months after Horner was accused of sexual harassment and coercive, controlling behaviour by a female employee.
The 51-year-old was twice cleared of the claims. He has always denied such accusations.
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"It's been an honour to be part of this incredible era of motorsport,” Horner said in a statement shortly after the news of his departure emerged.
“I leave with immense pride in what we've achieved and also with what's in the pipeline for 2026.”
And it did not take long for the 51-year-old to be linked with another F1 team following his Red Bull exit.
Several reports have linked the Englishman with a move to Alpine amid claims he was interested in potentially purchasing a share in the team.
The rumours were fuelled by Horner’s friendship with the de facto team principal of Alpine, Flavio Briatore.
Earlier this month, Horner was also linked with a move to the new team Cadillac, which will be the 11th team on the grid in 2026.
However, CEO Dan Towriss ruled this out.
As reported by the Mail, Towriss said: “There have been no talks with Christian Horner. No plans to do that.”
“I'd like to officially shut down that rumour.
“Our support backing is 100 per cent in Graeme Lowdon.”.
As previously mentioned, Horner is also linked with Alpine, and Briatore has finally offered his thoughts on the rumours ahead of Sunday’s Dutch Grand Prix.
“I don’t consider in this moment anything,” the Italian told Crash.net.
"Christian is not in Formula 1 at this moment anymore. I hope he comes back soon. But for the moment, he’s not in the picture of Alpine.”
Meanwhile, Mercedes chief Toto Wolff voiced his excitement at the thought of Horner, Bernie Ecclestone and Briatore combining to buy a share in Alpine and described the trio as “the mafia”.
“Well, that would be an exciting story I guess, and would create a lot of buzz around Formula 1,” Wolff said when giving his thoughts on the speculation. “I think we need that.
“Formula 1 has always been about the best racing with exciting drivers and great personalities. I feel that when you look back at the grand era of F1 team principals and owners around Frank Williams and Ron Dennis, Flavio, [Luca di] Montezemelo and a few others - maybe we need to work on that.
“If there was such an exciting project with these three working together, all of the mafia reunited, we would give good content I guess.”
Topics: Formula 1, Christian Horner, Alpine, Motorsport
Luke Davies