Introduction
Christian Horner might be making a comeback and this time, he’s not settling for the pit wall. The former Red Bull Racing team principal is reportedly in talks with MSP Sports Capital about snapping up a stake in Alpine F1, potentially valuing the French team at a cool £1.8bn. After 20 years steering Red Bull to glory (and through some seriously choppy waters), Horner could be trading his headset for an ownership stake. The question is: can the man who helped Max Verstappen dominate F1 pull off the same magic as a team owner?
The Deal That Could Shake Up the F1 Grid
Here’s what we know. MSP Sports Capital—the investment firm that recently cashed out of McLaren in a deal that valued the team at over $5bn—is now eyeing Alpine alongside Horner. They’re targeting a 24% stake currently owned by Otro Capital, which has been shopping itself around for months.
If the deal goes through, it would mark one of the biggest ownership shake-ups in recent F1 history. Alpine, backed by Renault Group, has struggled to match the pace of top teams like Red Bull and Mercedes. But with deep-pocketed investors and Horner’s winning pedigree? That could change quickly.
MSP Sports Capital’s F1 Track Record
MSP isn’t new to the paddock. The firm was a minority investor in McLaren Racing before selling its stake to Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund Mumtalakat in 2025. That exit netted them a tidy return as McLaren’s valuation soared past $5bn.
Now they’re circling Alpine—a team with factory backing, solid infrastructure, but inconsistent results. Pairing that with Horner’s expertise? It’s a bet that could pay off big.
The “Three Sharks” Bid Returns
This isn’t Horner’s first flirtation with Alpine ownership. Last year, rumours swirled about a joint bid involving Horner, F1 legend Bernie Ecclestone, and Flavio Briatore—Alpine’s controversial de facto team principal. Mercedes co-owner Toto Wolff famously dubbed it the “three sharks” bid, and honestly? The name fits.
Briatore’s already embedded at Alpine, Ecclestone knows F1’s inner workings better than anyone, and Horner brings two decades of championship-winning experience. It’s the kind of power trio that could either revitalise Alpine or create absolute chaos. Probably both.
Why Horner Left Red Bull
Horner’s final years at Red Bull weren’t exactly smooth sailing. Despite overseeing years of dominance—including multiple constructors’ championships—his latter stretch got messy. After Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz died in 2022, internal tensions reportedly bubbled up. Horner faced allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards a female employee (which he denied and was later cleared of following an internal investigation).
Then there were the high-profile exits. Design genius Adrian Newey jumped ship to Aston Martin. Max Verstappen’s father, Jos, publicly criticised Horner. The cracks were showing, and Horner left the team last year.
What This Means for Alpine F1
Alpine’s been stuck in F1’s midfield for years, occasionally flashing brilliance but never sustaining it. A Horner-MSP partnership could change that trajectory, if they commit serious capital and strategic direction.
The team’s already said any discussions are happening with existing shareholders (Otro Capital and Renault Group), not directly with Briatore or the team itself. That suggests the deal’s still early-stage, but the fact Alpine’s openly acknowledging it? Things are moving.
The £1.8bn Valuation Question
Valuing Alpine at £1.8bn puts it well below McLaren’s $5bn+ tag but still positions it as a premium asset. F1 team valuations have skyrocketed in recent years thanks to Netflix’s Drive to Survive, booming US interest, and the sport’s explosive commercial growth.
For MSP and Horner, buying in at £1.8bn could be a bargain, especially if they can turn Alpine into a consistent podium contender within a few seasons.
What Happens Next?
Alpine’s ownership saga is far from over. Otro Capital’s 24% stake remains the centrepiece, and with MSP and Horner circling, other bidders could emerge. Renault Group still holds majority control, so any deal will need their blessing.
But here’s the thing: F1 loves a comeback story. If Horner returns to the grid as an owner, it’ll be one of the sport’s juiciest narratives in years. And if he brings MSP’s capital and Briatore’s connections along for the ride? Alpine might finally have the firepower to compete at the front.
Conclusion
Christian Horner’s potential return to Formula 1 as an Alpine owner would mark a fascinating new chapter for both him and the sport. With MSP Sports Capital’s financial muscle and Horner’s winning track record, Alpine could finally break out of the midfield, or at least give it a proper shot. Whether the “three sharks” bid resurfaces or MSP and Horner go it alone, one thing’s clear: the Alpine ownership battle is heating up. Keep your eyes on this one.
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FAQ
Q1: Why is Christian Horner interested in buying Alpine F1?
A: After departing Red Bull last year, Horner’s reportedly looking to return to F1 as a team owner rather than a team principal. Alpine represents a solid opportunity—factory backing, decent infrastructure, but underperforming results that could be turned around with the right investment and leadership.
Q2: Who is MSP Sports Capital?
A: MSP Sports Capital is an investment firm that previously held a minority stake in McLaren Racing before exiting in 2025. They’re now reportedly partnering with Horner to invest in Alpine, bringing significant financial firepower to the table.
Q3: What happened to the “three sharks” bid with Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore?
A: Last year, rumours suggested Horner, Ecclestone, and Briatore were planning a joint Alpine bid. While that specific partnership hasn’t materialised publicly, Horner’s current talks with MSP Sports Capital could represent a new iteration of that ownership play.
Q4: How much is Alpine F1 worth?
A: The current deal discussions reportedly value Alpine at around £1.8bn ($2.5bn). That’s below McLaren’s $5bn+ valuation but still reflects F1’s booming team valuations in recent years.
Q5: What percentage of Alpine is for sale?
A: Otro Capital owns a 24% stake in Alpine F1 that’s been at the centre of various sale discussions. Renault Group retains majority ownership, so any deal would need their approval.
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Effective Date: 15th July 2025
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