Christian Horner’s Next Chapter: Could Alpine Be His New Formula 1 Home?

Christian Horner’s two-decade reign at the helm of Red Bull Racing has come to an abrupt end. Officially terminated from his role as team principal and director, Horner now faces the rare position of being a free agent in Formula 1. With one of the most impressive résumés in the sport, speculation over his next move has already begun to dominate the paddock — and one name keeps resurfacing: Alpine.

The French-based team, currently in disarray and struggling at the back of the field, may present the perfect opportunity for Horner to mount a comeback. But could Alpine — already weighed down by internal politics and the presence of controversial figure Flavio Briatore — realistically open its doors to Horner?

The End of the Red Bull Era

Christian Horner’s exit from Red Bull Racing came after months of turbulence. Despite being cleared of wrongdoing in an internal investigation, Horner faced relentless internal pressure, particularly from Jos Verstappen, Helmut Marko, and other influential figures. Key personnel departures — including Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley — further destabilized his position.

Ultimately, Red Bull opted to part ways with the man who had led them to eight Drivers’ Championships and six Constructors’ Championships since 2005. For Horner, whose leadership style blended ruthless competitiveness with strong driver advocacy, this was a stunning reversal of fortune.

At just 51 years old, Horner remains one of the most experienced and decorated leaders in F1. The consensus in the paddock is clear: his career in motorsport is far from over.

Alpine’s Need for Direction

If there is one team in Formula 1 crying out for a figure like Horner, it is Alpine.

The Enstone-based squad — formerly Renault — has lost its way in recent years. A revolving door of management, inconsistent car development, and strategic missteps have left the team languishing near the bottom of the standings. Despite flashes of brilliance in the past, Alpine has not been able to mount a sustained challenge in the modern hybrid era.

Horner’s track record of building Red Bull Racing from a midfield outfit into a dominant force makes him an attractive candidate. According to former driver Ralf Schumacher, Alpine’s path forward may depend on Horner:

“The time for figures like Flavio [Briatore] is over. You need technically skilled people at the top — someone like Christian. Flavio can remain a networker and public face, but the leadership must evolve.”

This perspective reflects a growing sentiment: Alpine needs not just a manager, but a visionary builder — and Horner fits that description.

The Briatore Factor

Any move involving Horner and Alpine would almost certainly impact the future of Flavio Briatore, who was recently reintroduced into the fold as an advisor. Briatore, infamous for his role in the 2008 “Crashgate” scandal with Renault, remains a polarizing figure in F1.

While some see him as a savvy operator with unmatched connections, others — like Schumacher — argue that his era has passed. In a sport increasingly driven by technical expertise and corporate professionalism, Briatore’s style feels outdated.

If Horner were to join Alpine, it is likely that Briatore’s influence would diminish. Whether that would be through his outright departure or a redefined role as a background figure is an open question.

Ownership Aspirations

One intriguing dimension to Horner’s potential Alpine move is the possibility of team ownership.

Reports suggest that Horner, after 20 years as a team principal, may be seeking something bigger than simply returning to the pit wall. Figures like Toto Wolff (Mercedes) and Lawrence Stroll (Aston Martin) have demonstrated the power of blending leadership with ownership stakes, giving themselves not only influence but long-term security.

Alpine, struggling financially and preparing to switch to Mercedes power units from 2026, has been rumored to be open to selling a portion of the team. This could pave the way for Horner to take on a shareholder role.

As former driver Robert Doornbos explained:

“Knowing Christian, yes, he will make a return. Let’s not forget he is incredibly young. With 20 years of experience as a team principal and CEO of one of the world’s largest brands, his successes speak for themselves. The only thing missing is team ownership — that’s what he’ll want next.”

Horner himself may not have the personal capital to buy into a team directly, but his extensive network of investors and corporate allies could provide the financial backing needed.

Skeptics in the Paddock

Not everyone is convinced that an Alpine-Horner marriage is realistic. Former FIA president Bernie Ecclestone, a longtime ally of Horner, has publicly expressed doubts.

Ecclestone suggested he believes more in Lewis Hamilton winning an eighth world title than in Horner becoming a part-owner of Alpine — citing the enormous financial hurdles involved.

Still, in Formula 1, financial obstacles often dissolve when ambition and opportunity align.

The Gasly Question

Another wrinkle in this story involves Alpine’s lead driver, Pierre Gasly. The Frenchman’s history with Red Bull — and by extension with Horner — is complicated.

Gasly was promoted to Red Bull in 2019 but demoted after just half a season, replaced by Alexander Albon. Many felt he was never given a fair chance, while others blamed Horner’s ruthless standards for the abrupt change. Gasly rebuilt his career at AlphaTauri, even winning the 2020 Italian Grand Prix, before moving to Alpine.

Today, Gasly has expressed respect for Horner’s achievements but remains mindful of their history. He recently said:

“Christian’s qualities are undoubtable. What he’s done with Red Bull Racing is very impressive. I’m sure we’re going to see him somewhere, because with that sort of experience and skills, some teams will be interested.”

If Horner were to join Alpine, Gasly’s stance — and his importance as the team’s de facto leader — would be a key factor in the negotiations.

Can Horner Rebuild Alpine?

The central question is whether Christian Horner could truly transform Alpine into a competitive force again.

The team faces a mountain of challenges:

Technical deficits compared to front-runners.

Leadership instability, with constant turnover.

Financial struggles, prompting a customer engine switch.

Driver tensions, particularly between Gasly and teammate Esteban Ocon (before Ocon’s departure).

Horner, however, has proven time and again that he thrives in adversity. At Red Bull, he built a team that went from zero to world champion in just six years. His ability to attract talent, create stability, and maximize resources is exactly what Alpine needs.

But this would not be a quick fix. Even with Horner, Alpine’s path back to the top would likely take years.

A Defining Decision

Christian Horner’s termination at Red Bull marks the end of an era, but it may also signal the beginning of his most ambitious project yet. Alpine, desperate for leadership and stability, could be the perfect landing spot.

Whether he joins as team principal, advisor, or even part-owner, Horner’s presence would represent a seismic shift for the French squad. It could also redefine his own legacy — moving from a team boss to a team builder and stakeholder.

The obstacles are significant: Briatore’s influence, Gasly’s history, and the financial realities of team ownership. But if Horner is willing to take on the challenge, Alpine may represent the very opportunity he needs to prove himself once again.

For now, all eyes remain on Enstone — and on the man who might just become its savior.