Horner f1: Christian : Potential Moves to Ferrari or Alpine
Christian Horner, a free agent, is eyeing a return to Formula 1, with potential moves to Ferrari or Alpine on the table.
After serving as team principal of Red Bull for over 20 years, Horner finds himself in a unique position as he explores opportunities to re-enter the competitive landscape of Formula 1. His departure from Red Bull has left a significant void, and his next move is highly anticipated by fans and analysts alike.
Ferrari, which finished second in the Constructors’ Championship in 2024 under Fred Vasseur, has seen a decline in performance in 2025 due to strategic decision-making issues and the uncompetitiveness of the SF-25. This decline raises questions about whether Horner could effectively lead the team back to its former glory. Juan Pablo Montoya, a former F1 driver, believes Horner could help Ferrari but cautions that it would take at least four years to rebuild the team. “Honestly, yes. But Ferrari would have to understand it would be sh*t for two years and that this is a four year programme at least and they would have to be patient,” Montoya stated.
On the other hand, Alpine is considered the most likely destination for Horner in 2026. The team finished last in the constructors’ championship in 2025, and there is a pressing need for a turnaround. Reports indicate that Horner is negotiating to buy a minority stake in Alpine, which could provide him with the leverage needed to influence the team’s direction. This move aligns with the interests of Toto Wolff, who is also looking to acquire a minority stake in Alpine.
Otro Capital currently owns a 24% stake in Alpine, valued at around US$588 million. The firm had paid approximately 200 million euros for this stake, which translates to about 233 million USD. With Wolff having sold part of his stake in Mercedes for 300 million USD, he is no longer a person with significant control at Mercedes, potentially allowing him to focus on Alpine. Meanwhile, Renault Group retains majority control of Alpine, and the team has been supplied with engines and gearboxes from Mercedes since shutting down its Renault works engine programme.
As Horner weighs his options, the proximity of Alpine’s base—just 20 minutes away from Red Bull—could play a role in his decision-making process. The potential for collaboration or rivalry with his former team adds another layer of intrigue to the situation.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding how successful Horner would be in turning around Ferrari’s fortunes if he were to join. Additionally, the outcome of negotiations between Horner, Wolff, and Alpine remains uncertain, leaving fans and stakeholders eagerly awaiting further developments.
As the F1 landscape continues to evolve, the implications of Horner’s next move could have significant ramifications for the teams involved and the championship as a whole. The coming months will be crucial as the motorsport community watches closely for any announcements regarding his future in Formula 1.
