Christian Horner continues to be linked to many projects since his departure from Red Bull, but Alpine could represent the most logical option for his return to Formula 1.
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The former head of Red Bull has notably been linked to Aston Martin, Haas, or even a potential BYD project.
But since the Chinese manufacturer does not seem to be considering an entry before the next regulatory cycle, potentially in 2030, Horner will likely have to wait several years or join a team already on the grid.
To the rescue of Alpine?
Alpine then appears as a natural possibility. Horner had already been strongly linked to the team when Otro Capital began looking for a buyer for its 24% stake. Mercedes and Toto Wolff had also considered this possibility before ultimately withdrawing.
However, a significant obstacle remains: Renault would not be particularly favorable to Horner’s arrival, notably due to the many criticisms he had directed at the French manufacturer when it was supplying engines to Red Bull. The English manager nevertheless maintains close ties with Alpine thanks to his relationship with Flavio Briatore. His experience could especially become interesting at a time when the Enstone team is going through a difficult period.
After an encouraging start to the season, Alpine has gradually lost ground. Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are facing more difficulties, while Racing Bulls has taken the advantage in the midfield battle.
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On the decline…
Spanish journalist Antonio Lobato, close to Fernando Alonso, is particularly worried: « Alpine also just barely got away with it. I don’t yet place them in the category of teams on the brink of collapse because they have had some good races and achieved good results early in the season, taking advantage of the fact that others were not yet at the level. But now, they are going downhill without brakes, aren’t they?»
Lobato also fears a particularly difficult second half of the championship: « I really feel sorry for Colapinto and Gasly, but they are going to suffer a lot for the rest of the season. Racing Bulls has already overtaken them and I think others will as well. Even with the points they have already accumulated, other teams could still pass them.»
The switch from Renault engines to Mercedes units seems to have been a wise decision, but Alpine is still facing difficulties in its 2026 project. In this context, Horner would bring considerable experience in managing and rebuilding a top team.
His record at Red Bull obviously speaks in his favor. After his dismissal in 2025, Alpine could thus offer him a sufficiently ambitious project to revive his career, provided Renault agrees to turn the page on past tensions.
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