Horner downplays Alpine move after reported talks over a stake in the team

Christian Horner’s business associates are understood to have held talks with Alpine earlier this year about buying a stake in the team. But the 52-year-old played down the prospect of joining the Enstone-based outfit. He has not ruled out a return to Formula 1 if the right opportunity comes along.

“If the right opportunity existed in a team, I’d certainly consider it seriously,” he said. Horner added that he did not see that opportunity at Alpine “right here, right now”, while saying he would look closely if circumstances changed. He would also be comfortable if no opportunity emerged, he said.

Horner has been linked with Aston Martin, Ferrari and Alpine over the last 12 months, but is in no rush to return to the sport. Speculation about a possible move to Aston Martin would see him reunited with Adrian Newey. Asked whether Newey could be blocking that prospect, Horner replied: “You have to ask Adrian.” He called Aston Martin a great team and brand, while noting the challenges it has faced this year.

Horner’s interest in ownership helps explain his position on a comeback. In an interview published last month, he said Ferrari was the only team for which he would consider returning to the pit wall without an ownership stake, a condition he has prioritised for any return. He has also called Ferrari “the biggest brand in Formula 1” and “the dream”. Horner later said his comments had taken on a life of their own and that he had intended to recognise Ferrari’s distinctive standing. He said he felt sorry for Frederic Vasseur over the speculation, which brought considerable scrutiny to the team principal at a difficult time for Ferrari.

Horner also reflected on his relationship with Toto Wolff. “Sport needs rivalry. Toto and I had some great jousting over the years,” he said, adding that there had “never been any malice” in their exchanges. Horner believes Wolff and Mercedes are finding life in Formula 1 easier without him. Their rivalry spanned the last decade and culminated in the 2021 season, when Max Verstappen ended Mercedes’ run of seven successive drivers’ titles. Red Bull then won the constructors’ championship in 2022 as Mercedes entered a difficult period. Exchanges between Wolff and Horner continued before Horner was sacked in July 2025.

Horner said he is taking time out after completing 404 races in succession. He wants to spend time with his family and step away from Formula 1’s travel schedule. Mercedes are tipped to win back the drivers’ and constructors’ titles this season, with Kimi Antonelli potentially becoming Formula 1’s youngest world champion at this weekend’s United States Grand Prix in Austin.