Christian Horner dealt major F1 comeback blow as official statement released
Christian Horner's hopes of returning to Formula One have been massively dented as a team official has spoken out.
After a turbulent 18-month period involving lacklustre results on the track, questions over Max Verstappen's future and an accusation of inappropriate behaviour by a female employee, Horner was sacked by Red Bull in July 2025.
Across two decades with the team, Horner lead the team to eight drivers’ championships and six constructors’ titles.
Since then, it has been widely reported that Horner is eager to make a swift return to the gird, with a clause in his Red Bull contract meaning that he was unable to join a rival Formula One team until a non-compete clause expired on May 8.
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Given his success in the sport, it comes as no surprise that several teams have been strongly linked with Horner, with the likes of Aston Martin, Alpine and Audi all believed to be interested.
Of the teams linked with Horner, it was previously reported that Alpine was the most likely due to the Brit's hopes to take an ownership stake in any new F1 project he joins.
The rumour was fuelled further by confirmation that Otro Capital was looking to offload its 24% holding in the team, with Horner reportedly interested.
However, these rumours have now been put to bed by Francois Provost, the CEO of Renault Group – which controls the remaining 76 per cent of Alpine.
"There is no discussion today with Christian," Provost told the Press Association.
“We are assessing the options. I want the Renault Group to keep the control of our team, whoever could be the successor of Otro."
Other than Horner, Mercedes was believed to be interested in taking up the shareholding, but the German manufacturer has since stepped back from a deal.
“I saw there are no further discussions [with Mercedes] now. I was not so satisfied to see that we are not progressing," Provost added.
“But I would like to make two comments about this. The first one is that this Otro issue doesn’t impact us at all as a team because we are in control.
“And the second point is that we will keep the control of our Formula 1 team. Alpine is an independent team, and we intend to keep control.”
When asked why the deal with Mercedes had fallen through, Alpine team principal Flavio Briatore felt no need to hold back, saying: "Very easy. The price was too high.
"At one point, the guys build up the different price and I think… Toto was very fair. I believe it.
"I don’t think the Otro people are fair. Toto, in all the negotiations was very fair."
Christian Horner accepts first major role since leaving F1
While Horner may have to wait a little longer before returning to F1, it doesn't mean that he's not securing work elsewhere.
Just under a year after being sacked by Red Bull, he has taken on a role as an advisor for London-based private equity house Oakley Capital.
The fund reportedly is hoping to expand its sports portfolio and has brought Horner in to lead the expansion.
"Sports businesses are benefitting from growing global audiences and participation rates as more people embrace healthier, active lifestyles," Horner said in an official statement.
"I have known and respected Peter and the Oakley team for many years and have always admired their approach to building ambitious, founder-led businesses.
"Oakley Capital has established a strong reputation across the sports and consumer landscape and I look forward to working together in the future and sharing my experience to help support the next generation of standout sports businesses."
Topics: Christian Horner, Formula 1, Alpine
Ben McCrum