Christian Horner is “negotiating” the purchase of a minority share in Alpine that would see him return to Formula 1, according to its Executive Advisor, Flavio Briatore.
The 51-year-old has reportedly been keen to make a return to F1 after his sensational axing from Red Bull last July.
Horner has subsequently been linked with various options up and down the grid, but an involvement in the Enstone-based squad has been the most likely throughout.
This is largely due to the ability to remain based in England, as well as his friendship with Briatore, who would be likely to welcome him into the fold.
The team’s chief ownership comes from its former engine manufacturer Renault, as well as a number of investors, chiefly the private investment firm, Otro Capital.
It would be this 24 percent that Horner, according to Briatore, is keen to buy, confirming his interest at the team’s 2026 launch on Friday.
“In this moment, there is a lot of confusion,” he said.
“[There are] A few groups [interested]. I don’t know how many – six, seven. Every day, there is a new group. Every day, people call me about Otro. I don’t care.
“So [suppose] Otro wants to sell their participation in Alpine. The moment somebody buys 24% of Otro, we still have 75% [the rest], and we discuss it. But for the moment, this is the situation.”
Whilst admitting to regular conversations with Horner, Briatore insisted that his interest in Alpine has little to do with him, and is dealing with Otro on the matter.
“I’ve known Christian for many years. I talk with Christian anyway, but this has nothing to do with me,” he said.
“First, you need to buy Otro [its shareholding]. After Renault needs to accept the buyer, and after that, we see what will happen.
“But there’s no link with me, because he’s negotiating with Otro, he’s not negotiating with us.”
Asked whether Horner would be a good fit for Alpine, Briatore responded: “I think everybody’s a good asset to the team, depending on what position you put the people. No problem.”
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