Toto Wolff moves to block Christian Horner's return to F1 with surprise offer

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has reportedly made a move to potentially block Christian Horner's return to Formula 1.

Back in July 2025, Horner was removed as CEO and team principal of Red Bull Racing following the British Grand Prix.

The Englishman was swiftly replaced by Laurent Mekies, who was promoted from Visa Cash App Racing Bulls.

Since his departure from Red Bull was finalised, Horner had been linked with a quick return to the F1 paddock.

Teams like Ferrari, Aston Martin and Alpine have all been linked with the 52-year-old.

It has been previously claimed that Horner and a group of investors were looking to buy a stake in the Alpine team.

Back in January, it was confirmed by Alpine team boss Flavio Briatore that Horner is one of those interested parties.

Christian Horner has been linked with a return to the F1 paddock. Image: Getty

Speaking in January, Horner said: "I don’t want to go back in the paddock unless I have something to do. I miss the sport, I miss the people, I miss the team that I built. I had 21 incredible years in Formula One. I had a great run, won a lot of races, championships and worked with some amazing drivers, engineers and partners. I don’t need to go back. I could stop my career now.

“So I would only go back for the right opportunity to work with great people, and to work in an environment where people want to win, and they shared that desire. I would want to be a partner, rather than just a hired hand, but we will see how it plays out. I am not in a rush. I don’t need to do anything."

It has now been claimed that Mercedes boss Wolff has emerged as a bidder for a stake in Alpine, which will put him in competition with Horner.

According to Planet F1, Wolff is one of a number of bids that have been tabled to purchase the 24 per cent stake in Alpine currently owned by US investment consortium Otro Capital.

Although figures of the bids have not been revealed, it has been claimed that the offers value Alpine at around £2.5 billion, meaning Otro Capital's 24 per cent could be worth in the region of £600 million.