Christian Horner has already issued his stance on being Alpine’s team principal if he joins in 2026

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Christian Horner is in talks over a return to Formula 1 with Alpine in 2026, following his exit from Red Bull in the summer.

The 52-year-old was sacked as Red Bull team principal back in July, and later relieved of all duties in September. He has avoided a period of gardening leave after Horner sacrificed £30m to return to F1 by 2026.

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Since his exit from Red Bull, the Brit has been linked with several teams up and down the paddock. It has even been mentioned that Horner could set up his own team with a group of investors.

Several existing teams have already shut down rumours that the former Red Bull boss will join them. Aston Martin say Horner won’t be joining them in 2026 after appointing Adrian Newey as team principal, while links to Haas and Cadillac have also quietened.

Christian Horner ‘no longer’ wants to be an F1 team principal amid Alpine 2026 talks

Alpine have been heavily linked with Horner since leaving Red Bull. Close friend Flavio Briatore is said to be interested in bringing him to Enstone.

It has been reported that the team’s shareholders, Otro Capital, are interested in selling their stake in the team. The consortium, made up of several Hollywood celebrities and athletes, owns 24% of Alpine.

Horner, backed by a group of investors, are believed to be looking to strike a deal with the team ahead of the 2026 season. Alpine will be entering a new era under the new regulations as they become a Mercedes customer team after Renault’s exit.

Horner’s negotiations have sparked speculation as to what role he will have at Alpine. According to a report from L’Equipe, the 52-year-old has already made it clear that he ‘no longer wants to return to the sport that made him famous simply as a team principal’.

Instead, Horner is looking to be a shareholder within a team, ‘even a minority one’. It explains the approach made to Otro about a deal with Alpine.

READ MORE: Who is Christian Horner? All you need to know from Red Bull to net worth

What Alpine can offer Christian Horner that Red Bull did not

Signing Horner would be a major coup for Alpine and the leader that they desperately need. The team finished last in the constructors’ championship with 22 points in 2025, with Pierre Gasly scoring all of them.

With Horner’s experience and success with Red Bull, it could be just what the Enstone outfit need to get back on track. Furthermore, they can offer the Brit exactly what he is looking for.

Alpine can offer Horner ‘full control’ of the team if he strikes a deal for the 24% stake. He never had this at Red Bull, with the power being shared between him and several other key figures, including Helmut Marko.

Horner has not denied the links to Alpine as the negotiations continue. If a deal is agreed, it could be revolutionary for the team as they enter the new regulations.