Former Red Bull boss Christian Horner has been linked to Alpine for months, with reports claiming that the Briton is ready to lead a consortium of investors to acquire Otro Capital’s stake in the Enstone-based team. However, Renault reportedly vetoed Horner’s bid for the Otro Capital stake. But the French manufacturer won’t be able to do the same beyond September 2026.
With Otro Capital in the market to sell the Alpine stake it acquired nearly three years ago, Christian Horner and Mercedes came out as the top bidders for the same. However, with Mercedes now supplying engines to the Enstone-based team, the German manufacturer was possibly favoured over the consortium of investors led by Horner.
But as per the latest reports, Mercedes has pulled out, with Otro Capital demanding a price above the market value. BBC reported that Otro Capital wanted $720M for its 24% stake in Alpine.
With the deal collapsing, the consortium of investors led by Christian Horner is a party interested in acquiring the stake. Reports suggest Renault decided not to continue the talks with Horner and that the French manufacturer has a power of veto over any sale of the Otro shares until September, and can block the sale to the group led by former Red Bull boss.
As per Planet F1, who discovered Otro Capital’s documents, sale of the stake to a third party can only happen “after the date which is three (3) years after the date of adoption of these articles,” and the documents were dated September 13, 2023
Any sale preceding this period would require approval from Renault. However, come September 13, 2026, Otro Capital will be free to sell its stake to whoever they please, including Christian Horner & Co.
Christian Horner reportedly in talks with BYD for F1 return
Reports of BYD considering joining F1 as the 12th team on the grid emerged a few months back. Last month, BYD Vice President Stella Li came out and confirmed meetings with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.
Amid these reports, Christian Horner was spotted at the Cannes festival with Stella Li. The Briton was reportedly invited by BYD as one of its guests. Just days before the Cannes appearance, Horner was in the Monaco E Prix paddock and was seen in the BYD garage, which sparked rumors of a possible return to F1 with the Chinese manufacturer.
Given Horner’s record with Red Bull, he might just be the perfect candidate to lead and help set up the BYD F1 team.
Edited by Pranay Bhagi