F1 team considering putting 20% stake ‘up for sale’ amid claims Christian Horner wants part-ownership role

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After his exit from Red Bull Racing, many people within Formula 1 are wondering where Christian Horner might end up next.

Red Bull decided to end Christian Horner’s operational duties within their F1 team after the British Grand Prix.

Horner is still technically contracted to Red Bull until 2030 as both parties look to reach an agreement to terminate their partnership after more than two decades of working together.

Red Bull announced Laurent Mekies as Horner’s successor, and he will be the centre of attention at the upcoming Belgian Grand Prix.

He has a host of issues to address with Red Bull sitting fourth in the constructors’ championship, although Max Verstappen’s future will be at the forefront of his thinking.

Horner’s next step in Formula 1 is also an issue that many people are starting to discuss.

Ferrari have previously shown an interest in Horner, but that looks like an unlikely marriage in the paddock.

Instead, it could be Alpine that Horner takes a greater interest in, and an opportunity he’s been waiting for might be about to emerge.

READ MORE: All to know on sacked Red Bull team principal Christian Horner with net worth

Alpine considering 20% team sale as Christian Horner looks for F1 part-ownership opportunity

Alpine de facto chief Flavio Briatore was one of the first people to message Horner after his Red Bull exit.

The pair have a very good relationship, having spent more than two decades competing against each other in Formula 1.

Journalist Andrew Benson was writing on the BBC Sport website, and discussing Horner’s future, he said: “Since Horner was removed from his position at Red Bull, there have been suggestions in some quarters that he would be very attractive to a number of other teams in F1.

“Alpine is one idea that is doing the rounds, although they have just signed Steve Nielsen as managing director – ie, de facto team principal – to start work in September.

“Ferrari has come up again. And there is the question of whether he could return as a co-owner somewhere – Alpine, for example, is said to have about a 20% shareholding up for sale.”

Talking about how Horner might fit into another team’s management structure, Benson went on to say: “So, at Alpine, for example, he would ultimately be answerable to Renault’s board.

“At Ferrari, to chairman John Elkann and chief executive Benedetto Vigna.

“Ultimately, the power would rest with them, not Horner. Could he stomach that?”

READ MORE: All you need to know about Alpine F1 Team from team principal to lineage

How Bernie Ecclestone could fit into Christian Horner’s Alpine part-ownership plans

Alpine have been rumoured to be up for sale for some time, and there are signs that they might not be completely dedicated to Formula 1.

Starting from next season, Alpine will no longer be a works F1 team, having agreed a deal to start using Mercedes engines.

That will save parent company Renault millions of pounds and potentially make them far more competitive.

Alpine staff have been assured the team are not for sale; however, very few people, especially Briatore, would be likely to turn down the right offer.

F1 paddock rumours suggest Horner and Bernie Ecclestone could team up to part-own a team, with Alpine being the most likely candidates.

It seems very unlikely that fans have seen the last of Horner at this stage of his Formula 1 career.