Christian Horner and Bernie Ecclestone could become Alpine owners
The world of formula 1 has always been a hotbed of rumors, speculation and strategic movements that keep fans to the edge of their seats. However, few news have generated as much expectation as the possibility that Christian Horner, recently fired from Red Bull, and the legendary Bernie Ecclestone, except for F1, becomes partial owners of the Alpine team, valued at 1.2 billion pounds. This hypothesis, which has emerged from the murmurs in the paddock, promises to shake the panorama of Formula 1 and raise intriguing questions about the future of one of the most emblematic teams of sport.
The news of Christian Horner’s departure from Red Bull after 20 years at the head of the team was an earthquake in the world of motoring. During his term, Horner transformed Red Bull from a debutant team in 2005 to a dominant power, achieving eight pilot titles and six builders. However, after a complicated 2025 season, with a little competitive car and rumors about the possible output of Max Verstappen, Red Bull decided to dispense with its services, replacing it with Laurent Mekies, former head of the Racing Bulls team. The decision surprised many, but not as much as the rumors that have emerged over the next steps of Horner in the F1.
According to the Dutch commentator and F1 expert, Nelson Valkenburg, in an intervention in the podcast The Race F1, Horner would not be looking for a new role as team leader, but something much more ambitious: to become the owner of a team. Valkenburg said: “What you want most is to own a team. I feel that you would love to have a team, and that team is partially for sale. There are rumors in the paddock that, with some support, perhaps Bernie Ecclestone himself, could become at least the owner of a minority participation in Alpine.” These words have unleashed a wave of speculation about a possible alliance between Horner and Ecclestone, two figures that have left an indelible mark on formula 1.
Bernie Ecclestone, at 94, remains an influential figure in the sport, despite not holding an official position since he ceased to be the F1 head in 2017. His relationship with Horner dates back to the first days of Red Bull on the grill, when Ecclestone, then under the command of the sport, supported the project of the brand of energy drinks. This historical link has been strengthened over time, and the recent appearance of Ecclestone in the Paddock, including its participation in a meeting of the F1 commission at Horner’s invitation to discuss the regulations of 2026, has fed speculation about its possible collaboration in a project as bold as the acquisition of Alpine.
The Alpine team, owned by Renault, is going through a moment of uncertainty. With the imminent departure of the CEO of Renault, Luca de Meo, and the arrival of Flavio Briatore as executive advisor, the French team is in search of a new strategic direction. Briatore, another old acquaintance of Horner and Ecclestone, has expressed interest in revitalizing Alpine, which currently languishes in the lower part of the builders classification. The possibility that Horner and Ecclestone invest in the team, along with the experience of Briatore, creates a fascinating narrative: three Titans of the F1 joining strength to return Alpine to the top.
However, not everyone is convinced that this movement is simple. Karun Chandhok, former pilot and commentator of Sky Sports, suggested that Alpine could be a logical option for Horner due to its location in Estone, which would allow him to keep his base in the United Kingdom. “Could you go to Alpine and continue living in the United Kingdom? Alpine is based on the motor racing valley and is looking for a team leader. Christian is an old friend of Flavio Briatore. That could be a possible destination,” said Chandhok. However, it also ruled out a movement towards Ferrari, despite the previous rumors that linked Horner with the Italian team. “I can see him landing in Alpine more than in Ferrari now,” he added, pointing out personal and logistics factors that could influence Horner’s decision.
On the other hand, Horner’s departure from Red Bull has not been exempt from controversy. Martin Brundle, another respected voice in the F1, hinted at the Sky Sports the F1 show that the “Verstappen team” had a significant role in Horner’s dismissal, suggesting internal tensions in Red Bull. “The Verstappen team was not happy that Horner led the team,” Brundle said, although he clarified that the exact details of what happened behind the scenes are still a mystery. This revelation adds a layer of intrigue to the narrative, since Verstappen’s possible output of Red Bull could be linked to Horner’s movements to Alpine.
The idea that Horner and Ecclestone acquire participation in Alpine has also generated debates on the financial and strategic impact of this operation. Alpine, valued at 1.2 billion pounds, already has high profile investors such as Ryan Reynolds, Patrick Mahomes and Rory Mcilroy. The entrance of Horner and Ecclestone could provide not only capital, but also an incomparable experience in sports management and promotion. Ecclestone, in particular, is known for its ability to close agreements and transform formula 1 into the global show that is today. In an interview with The Telegraph, Ecclestone commented on Horner: “Very few executives can do everything from engineering to public relations. He directed the company as he thought should be done. For a long time, people were willing to accept that because they were doing the job.” These words reflect Ecclestone’s confidence in Horner’s ability to lead a project as ambitious as Alpine restructuring.
For fans, this possible alliance raises an exciting scenario. The combination of Horner’s strategic vision, Ecclestone’s commercial instinct and BriTore’s experience could transform Alpine into a serious contender. However, there are also challenges. Luca de Meo’s departure and Alpine’s difficulties to find a clear direction on the track suggest that any new owner will face an arduous task. In addition, the incorporation of such polarizing figures as Horner and Ecclestone could generate mixed reactions in the Paddock and among the fans.
As the 2025 season advances towards its summer break, the eyes of the F1 world will be put in Alpine and in the movements of Horner and Ecclestone. Can these two motoring giants join forces to revitalize a team in trouble? Or are these rumors simply another chapter in the endless saga of speculation that defines formula 1? Only time will say it, but one thing is safe: the possibility of seeing Christian Horner and Bernie Ecclestone as Alpine owners has lit the imagination of fans and promises to keep the paddock in suspense in the coming weeks.
