Horner is plotting a Formula 1 comeback. – Christian Horner is pushing hard for a return to the Formula 1 paddock, with Alpine emerging as his preferred destination. According to former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher, the ex-Red Bull team principal is looking to buy into the Enstone-based team, which could eventually see him take on a senior role. However, despite the apparent momentum, several political and commercial hurdles remain before any deal can be finalised.
Speaking on Sky Germany’s Backstage Boxengasse podcast, Schumacher claimed that Horner’s involvement with Alpine is effectively a matter of ‘when’, not ‘if’. “From what I’ve heard, it’s already been decided,” he said, cautioning fans not to expect a swift announcement.
Timing and internal politics slow progress
Schumacher suggested that Horner’s return is unlikely before the middle of next year, or possibly even autumn. He explained that the delay is not purely financial, but also political. Alpine is currently navigating a sensitive phase, particularly due to its close ties with Mercedes.
“Mercedes is new to the team now, and Toto Wolff and Christian Horner are perhaps not the best of friends,” Schumacher noted.
Consequently, Alpine is believed to prefer a period of stability before appointing someone as influential and potentially divisive, as Horner. The team reportedly wants to ‘get through the year first and then think about changes’.
Mercedes’ involvement in the Alpine project naturally brings Wolff into the equation, and the long-standing rivalry between him and Horner is well documented. This dynamic alone could delay any immediate move.
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Briatore’s influence at Alpine
Another key figure in this saga is Alpine’s chief advisor, Flavio Briatore. Schumacher hinted that the Italian powerbroker may be keen to maintain control for as long as possible.
“I could imagine that Flavio wants to keep power in his own hands,” he said, adding that Horner’s arrival could fundamentally alter the internal balance of power:
“Horner wants to play a role there,” he continued. “Then I could imagine Briatore’s absolute rule could change, or even end.”
This may be an uncomfortable prospect for Briatore, who has only recently reasserted his authority within the team.
The ownership puzzle
Briatore has already publicly confirmed that Horner is interested in acquiring shares in Alpine. Renault currently holds the majority stake, while 24 per cent is owned by an investor group led by the US firm Otro Capital. This group includes high-profile figures such as Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds and NFL star Patrick Mahomes.
Horner is reportedly targeting this 24 per cent stake and is said to have assembled his own investors. However, competition is fierce.
“Several groups are interested in buying the 24 percent stake,” explained Briatore. “First, the Otro shares have to be bought, then Renault has to accept the buyer, and then we’ll see what happens.”
For now, Horner’s Formula 1 comeback remains subject to negotiation, timing and politics, but the door to Alpine is clearly open.
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RB22 in the hands of Verstappoen: Day 2 Barcelona 2026
Formula One’s biggest technical regulation change in history for 2026 had many amongst the teams, the FIA and FOM concerned they would be perceived a failure at early testing. The first of the pre-season tests – although for contractual reasons with Bahrain its called a shakedown – is now into day two at the Circuit de Catalunya.
Just 39 days after Lando Norris claimed his maiden F1 championship the teams are ready to go with all new cars and powertrains. Yet there have been casualties along the way, with Williams not in attendance for a variety of technical reasons. The first being thy have repeatedly failed the FIA’s crash test for the nose cone together with the fact the car is vastly overweight.
McLaren too have delayed the start to testing their car and Aston Martin have indicated the most they will achieve is some running on the final two days this week. However, seven teams and all the power unit manufacturers with the exception of Honda, were on track as the lights went green in Montmelo on Monday morning. All eyes were on Red Bull who are the first ever F1 customer team to build their own power train, with many expecting them to fall at the first hurdle.
Russell impressed with Red Bull
Yet the sleek RB22 in the hands of Max Verstappen’s new team mate Isack Hadjar, was impressive, even drawing attention from rival drivers and teams. When asked about how the day had gone for Mercedes, George Russell chose to name check the team’s arch rivals Red Bull along with Ferrari as having stand out days.
“For sure we’re very pleased with the day, but I was pretty impressed with a number of other teams, to be honest,” he said.“You see the Red Bull-powered teams, [with] a brand-new power unit, and they had a really smooth day with two cars. Haas did the most laps of everyone with a Ferrari engine.
“So it’s not quite 2014 vibes of half the grid is breaking down and having loads of issues. Formula 1 has evolved so much since then and the level is just so high, from every single aspect. It was pretty impressive to see all the teams on the whole having a lot of laps under their belts on day one,” the Mercedes’ driver concluded.
Whilst the day and the week was supposed to be a black out to the media, the vantage points around the circuit were filled with fans and long lenses alike. Security teams were sent to gently move folk along, although this merely saw them pop up at another viewpoint around the circuit…CONTINUE READING THIS STORY
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