Photo: Race Pictures

Horner’s F1 return gains momentum with backing of former McLaren partner

16:19, 09 Feb

Updated: 17:01, 09 Feb

bySamson Ero

Christian Horner’s potential return to Formula 1 is gathering pace following fresh reports linking him with talks involving a former McLaren investor.

The former Red Bull Racing team principal, who has made no secret about his desire to return to F1, has reportedly held talks with MSP Sports Capital, which only last summer sold its stake in the McLaren team.

According to a report via Sky Sports, the American equity firm is backing Horner’s potential offer for Otro Capital's 24% stake in the Alpine F1 outfit.

Former Red Bull Racing boss, Christian Horner - Race Pictures

Alpine, via its de facto team principal Flavio Briatore, had previously confirmed that Horner is leading a consortium exploring the possibility of purchasing the stake.

MSP was among the beneficiaries of a deal that valued McLaren Racing at around £3.5 billion, with Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund Mumtalakat and Abu Dhabi-based automotive investment group CYVN Holdings acquiring the remaining 30% stake in the team.

Horner admits having unfinished business in F1

Earlier, Horner admitted to wanting a return to Formula 1. The former Red Bull chief highlighted how he continues to explore the right opportunity for him to return to the sport.

The 52-year-old, however, opted to keep his cards close to his chest when quizzed about his links to the Alpine team.

Horner served as team principal at the Red Bull outfit for over two decades before his dismissal amid a streak of underwhelming results and off-track turmoil at the Milton Keynes-based team.

Horner would only return if the role was right.

Horner had previously said that he would only make his F1 comeback in a role that he was comfortable with.

"I've had 6 months out of the business now, it's been a new experience. I've been on the road for pretty much 30 years with Formula One. It's given me a bit of time to reflect on my career and what I did for the last 21 years at Red Bull, it's been an interesting time."

He continued: "I miss the team spirit, I miss the people, it was a team that I worked very hard to build up, so I obviously miss that element of working with some incredible people, the men and women behind the scenes, we achieved some incredible things that I'm very proud of, but nothing's forever, and who knows what comes next.

"So far I've been going to pretty much every team on the grid. I've spoken very little publicly since I left Red Bull, so it's flattering that there's speculation, that I'm going to this team or that team, but that's rife in Formula One. I'd only come back for the right opportunity, working with the right people that are like-minded and want to win. I've got no interest in just taking part."