Christian Horner now has a 90% chance of joining one team if he returns to Formula 1

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Christian Horner has moved quickly to line up his next destination in Formula 1. Nothing is agreed yet, but a clear favourite is emerging.

The 51-year-old was removed as Red Bull team principal in July but he didn’t officially leave his post until late last month. Under his separation agreement with Red Bull, Horner can join a new team in the spring.

Horner has one of the best CVs of any team boss ever, having built Red Bull into a title-winning force during his 20 years in charge. Those two decades featured eight drivers’ titles and six constructors’ crowns.

But the timing is a little awkward for the Briton, with major regulations looming. Teams may be reluctant to proceed with a change of regime until they see how they fare in a new-look F1.

Christian Horner’s chances of joining Alpine rated at nine out of 10

ESPN have rated Horner’s chances of joining all eight teams not owned by Red Bull. There’s one clear winner.

They rate the likelihood of an Alpine deal at nine out of 10. They would be the clear winner if there was a ‘straw poll in the paddock’.

‘Well-placed sources’ see Enstone as the most logical destination. Horner has a close relationship with Flavio Briatore, currently the executive advisor, and the two have met in recent months.

While Alpine have repeatedly ruled out a full sale, they’re known to be open to investment. Horner is determined to buy a stake in a team rather than replicate his role at Red Bull.

It’s previously been suggested that Horner won’t join a Mercedes-powered team due to his fractious relationship with Toto Wolff. But ESPN believe Wolff has ‘no say’ in the Renault board’s decision.

Lawrence Stroll invited Christian Horner to his house after Red Bull sacking

It also emerged during the Singapore GP weekend that Horner has spoken to Lawrence Stroll, the owner of Aston Martin. Sky Sports reporter Craig Slater has offered more detail about that meeting.

“In terms of Aston Martin, Horner is a personal friend of owner Lawrence Stroll and I understand he was a guest at Stroll’s house in the aftermath of his departure from Red Bull,” Slater said. “It doesn’t look like that will come to anything.

“Horner is having rounds of meetings with significant business groups – global banks, sovereign wealth funds and individuals of significant personal wealth.”

Aston Martin’s incumbent team principal Andy Cowell says there are currently no plans for a tie-up with Horner. Stroll is looking for investors, but this doesn’t look like the right fit; indeed, ESPN rate the chances at just one out of 10.