Red Bull boss Christian Horner has dismissed that Alpine and Ferrari’s reported interest in recruiting him could culminate in him moving to another team in Formula 1.
Horner is the longest-serving team principal on the entire F1 grid, having overseen eight Drivers’ Championship wins and six Constructors’ title successes since 2005.
The Briton has voiced his commitment to Red Bull amid unsubstantiated rumours last month that the team’s dwindling competitiveness could lead to him being axed.
The latest saga regarding his position at Red Bull preceded a report alleging that Ferrari had made an approach to him to enquire about his interest in taking the reins.
Ferrari’s winless run over the opening nine rounds has all but dispelled the team’s title prospects this season and ignited rumours that Fred Vasseur is under pressure.
But while he wouldn’t be drawn on whether he had been engaged in tentative discussions with Ferrari, Horner emphasised that he harbours no plans to leave Red Bull.
“I mean, of course, it’s always flattering to be associated with other teams,” Horner told media including Motorsport Week at the Spanish Grand Prix two weeks ago.
“But my commitment 100 per cent is with Red Bull and always has been and certainly will be for the long term.
“There’s a bunch of speculation always in this business, people coming here, going there, whatever, and I think people in the team know exactly what the situation is.”
Horner not interested in Alpine switch
Since that statement, though, speculation has emerged that Alpine Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore has set his sights on installing Horner to head the team’s rebuild.
According to the reports, Briatore, who returned to the Renault-owned organisation last June, has pitched a proposal that could even grant Horner a stake in the team.
The Enstone-based squad languishes last in the Constructors’ Championship, but Briatore has underlined that he wants the team to target race wins as early as 2026.
Alpine has been without a permanent team boss since Oliver Oakes resigned last month, with Briatore having taken on the role again on an interim basis since Miami.
However, the Anglo-French marque’s search is primed to continue as Horner has insisted that he will not be trading his position at Red Bull to work alongside Briatore.
When asked by Sky F1 whether he had met with Ferrari Chairman John Elkann, Horner responded: “There are so many rumours, I’m not going anywhere.
“I’m fully committed to Red Bull. We’ve got so much good stuff coming through the pipeline.
“We’re on the verge of launching our own engine for 2026, which has been a massive project and undertaking.
“Of course, it’s always flattering to be associated with other teams, particularly teams like Ferrari. But no, I’m not going anywhere, not even to Alpine!
“Speculation is rife, always in this paddock, but I’ve been here, what, 21 years? I don’t have any intention of being anywhere.”
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