Horner’s 18 million mistake? Red Bull rift grows as Alpine temptation looms

As previously mentioned, GPblog reported last week that Christian Horner has been sidelined by the Red Bull Racing team, and that he is therefore actively looking for another team. Although Ferrari is mentioned as a possible destination in paddock rumors, Horner seems to be flirting mainly with Alpine's Flavio Briatore. The French team is still looking for a new team principal, but Horner is of no interest to them.

Schumacher explains in the Boxengasse podcast from Sky that he understands where Horner's seek for refuge elsewhere come from, "He no longer makes all the decisions, and he now has to justify bigger decisions," the former F1 driver explains.

"I think it's because he signed the contract with Pérez on his own. They want to avoid that, because it eventually cost a lot of money," which as far as GPblog understands was a whopping sum of 18 million.

Schumacher would therefore not find it strange if Horner were interested in a position at Alpine. "I believe Flavio Briatore is looking for a good new team principal. Christian Horner and he know and respect each other."

GPblog also delved into why a collaboration between Horner and Alpine could turn out well. but in addition, according to Schumacher, Alpine has another secret weapon. "The best thing Briatore could of course offer are shares for Christian Horner. And shares are something he always wanted. He did not have that chance at Red Bull, he wouldn't get it anywhere else."

The German can therefore well imagine that Horner would have a lot of interest in such a move. "And why not? Christian Horner now has a Mercedes engine in the back, so he could do something with Alpine. Hence, from that perspective, anything is possible."