Christian Horner F1 return takes major step forward as axed Red Bull man in ‘discussions’
Christian Horner is edging closer to a Formula 1 comeback, with MSP Sports Capital among investors in discussions about supporting his bid for a stake in Alpine.
The American investment firm, which exited McLaren Racing last autumn, has approached the former Red Bull chief regarding a potential offer for Otro Capital’s 24 per cent holding in the French constructor.
Reports say that the transaction could place Alpine’s valuation between $2 billion and $2.5 billion.
MSP forms part of a broader group of prospective backers, including wealthy individuals, family offices and institutional investors, who have engaged with Horner about financing his return to the paddock.
Christian Horner is locked in discussions ahead of a potential return to Formula One
|
GETTY
MSP Sports Capital has demonstrated considerable acumen in Formula 1 investment, having led a 2020 acquisition of a 15 per cent stake in McLaren Racing at a post-money valuation of £560 million.
That initial investment proved remarkably lucrative when the firm sold its holding last year as part of a transaction valuing the Woking outfit at approximately £3.5 billion.
Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund Mumtalakat and Abu Dhabi-based CYVN Holdings purchased the remaining 30 per cent of McLaren they did not already control.
The substantial return appears to have whetted MSP’s appetite for further involvement in the sport, though the firm declined to comment on its conversations with Horner.
Christian Horner has been tipped to return to F1 with Alpine | REUTERS
Alpine confirmed last month that Horner and his consortium were among several parties expressing interest in acquiring the Otro Capital stake.
“Any approaches or discussions are with existing shareholders, Otro Capital (24%) and Renault Group (76%), not directly with Flavio Briatore or the team,” the constructor stated.
Renault currently maintains majority ownership of the Enstone-based operation, though its willingness to cede control remains uncertain.
Horner is understood to harbour ambitions beyond a minority position, ultimately seeking a controlling interest in whichever Formula 1 team he joins.
The identities of other potential investors backing his consortium have not been established.
Alpine endured a dismal 2025 campaign, finishing tenth and last in the constructors’ standings with a mere 22 points from 24 races.
Alpine have had their struggles, finishing tenth and last in the constructors’ standings with a mere 22 points from 24 races
|
REUTERS
McLaren, by contrast, claimed the championship with 833 points.
Any acquisition would therefore mark the beginning of a lengthy rebuilding project for Horner, who spent two decades at Red Bull overseeing six constructors’ and eight drivers’ titles.
The potential deal reflects surging investor interest in Formula 1 assets, with Aston Martin announcing plans last July to sell its Grand Prix team stake at a £2.4 billion valuation.
Otro Capital acquired their Alpine holding in 2023 for approximately £170 million and reportedly seek at least £500 million now.
