Alpine clarify rumours over interest from former Red Bull boss Horner

Alpine have confirmed former Red Bull boss Christian Horner is part of a group of investors who have shown an interest in investing in the Formula 1 squad.

The Enstone-based team sold a 24% stake to Otro Capital – which included high profile investors like Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds and golfer Rory McIlroy – in 2023 with the Renault Group retaining a majority 76% stake in the operation.

Alpine said in a statement that "it is no secret that Otro Capital has held preliminary talks to sell its stake in the team".

They added: "⁠With the continued rapid growth of Formula One, the valuation of the teams has been increasing and, not surprisingly, has led to multiple interested parties looking to enter the sport.

"⁠The team is regularly approached and contacted from potential investors, particularly given Otro Capital declared exploratory talks have taken place.

"⁠One of those parties to express an interest is a group of investors, which also includes Christian Horner.

"⁠Any approaches or discussions are with the existing shareholders, Otro Capital (24%) and Renault Group (76%)."

Horner has been out of work since leaving Red Bull – the team which he had led since their arrival in the sport two decades ago – last year and it is believed the 52-year-old is keen on a return to the grid if the project is right.

Alpine finished last in the Teams' Championship in 2025, but switched their attention and resources very early in that campaign to their 2026 car, which has been built to sweeping new chassis and power unit rules.

They are also partnering up with Mercedes power for the first time, following the decision to close their Renault Formula 1 power unit operation at the end of last year.

Alpine are hopeful their decision to switch resources early to 2026 and take on Mercedes power, which has been the class-leader for the last decade, will haul them back into contention this year.

"Currently, the primary focus for the team is to be more competitive on track in 2026 which, with the new regulation era, presents a unique opportunity to show a sustainable recovery of performance," added Alpine.

The team are in action in Spain this week for the Barcelona Shakedown, a five-day private test where all 11 teams are permitted to run at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for a maximum of three days.

They will all then start chasing performance when official pre-season testing begins in Bahrain next month, split across two tests of three days apiece.