Horner waiting in the wings: Co-owner of the Alpine F1 Team as early as this year?

After a season full of setbacks and disappointing results, a strong sporting start to 2026 is crucial for Alpine. In the background, however, a potential share sale—possibly to Christian Horner—remains in play; a step that could well become reality during 2026.

As GPblog recently reported, Horner (with a consortium of backers) is exploring how he can return to Formula 1. There are two options. First is setting up his own Formula 1 team; a difficult and lengthy process, with no guaranteed spot on the grid.

Horner is looking much more closely at buying into an existing F1 team, where Alpine is an preferred option. There have been growing rumours that Otro Capital plans to sell (part of) its minority stake in the team, which represents a 24 percent share in the F1 team.

Alpine - Photo: RacePictures

Otro seeks buyer for Alpine shares

This website understands that the American company are looking for a buyer for the shares, which opens the door for Horner, and his financiers, for a return to F1.

However, it appears difficult to gauge the valuation and what amount Otro wants to receive for the shares, given rivals Aston Martin have been valued at $3.2billion.

It is also important that Renault—which holds a majority of the shares in the Alpine F1 team—must also approve any potential shareholder. In practice, it’s possible the French won’t be keen on Horner as a co-owner and could therefore issue a veto.

In any case, exciting months lie ahead for Alpine, with Otro Capital actively on the market to quickly find a new owner for their share portfolio.

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