Christian Horner, the former team principal of Red Bull Racing, may be making a comeback to Formula One as he is reportedly in talks to buy Otro Capital’s 24 percent stake in Alpine. This news has sent shockwaves through the F1 community, with many fans eagerly anticipating the return of the renowned team boss.
Horner, who left Red Bull Racing at the end of the 2020 season, has been out of the F1 scene for almost a year now. However, it seems that he may be making a comeback sooner than expected with this potential acquisition. The 47-year-old British businessman has a long and successful history in the sport, having led Red Bull Racing to four consecutive Constructors’ Championships from 2010 to 2013.
The talks between Horner and Otro Capital, a Luxembourg-based private equity firm, have been ongoing for some time now. It is believed that the deal is in its final stages and an official announcement could be made in the coming weeks. If the deal goes through, Horner will become a major shareholder in the French racing team, which was rebranded as Alpine in 2021.
This potential acquisition is significant for both Horner and Alpine. For Horner, it would mark his return to the F1 paddock and give him the opportunity to once again showcase his leadership skills and strategic prowess. On the other hand, for Alpine, it would mean having an experienced and successful team boss at the helm, which could potentially lead to a resurgence in their performance on the track.
Horner’s departure from Red Bull Racing was met with mixed reactions from fans and experts alike. While some believed that it was time for a change and a new direction for the team, others were sad to see him go. However, with this potential move to Alpine, it seems that Horner is not ready to leave the world of F1 just yet.
In an interview with Autosport, Horner expressed his excitement about the potential acquisition, saying, “I am thrilled at the prospect of returning to Formula One and being a part of the Alpine team. I have always had a great respect for the team and its history, and I am eager to work with them to achieve even greater success in the future.”
The news of Horner’s potential return has also been welcomed by the current Alpine team, with CEO Laurent Rossi stating, “We are delighted to have Christian Horner on board as a potential shareholder. His experience and knowledge of the sport will be invaluable to the team as we continue to grow and develop.”
If the deal goes through, Horner will join the likes of Toto Wolff, Zak Brown, and Lawrence Stroll as team bosses who also have a stake in their respective teams. This trend of team bosses becoming shareholders in their teams is a testament to the growing business side of Formula One and the importance of having a strong and experienced leader at the helm.
Horner’s potential return to Formula One has also sparked speculation about his plans for the team. Some believe that he may bring in his former driver and four-time world champion, Sebastian Vettel, to lead the team. However, these are just rumors at this point, and only time will tell what Horner’s plans are for Alpine.
In conclusion, the news of Christian Horner’s potential return to Formula One has created a buzz in the F1 community. His experience, leadership, and success in the sport make him a valuable asset to any team, and his potential acquisition of a stake in Alpine could lead to exciting developments for the team. As fans eagerly await an official announcement, one thing is for sure – Christian Horner’s return to F1 will be a welcome sight for all.