Flavio Briatore has revealed that Christian Horner is among those interested in purchasing Otro Capital's 24% stake in the Alpine Formula 1 team. The former Red Bull team principal, sacked last July, seeks ownership rather than just a management role. Discussions are ongoing, but require Renault's approval as the majority owner.
Flavio Briatore, Alpine's executive advisor, disclosed during a media briefing after the unveiling of the team's 2026 livery that Christian Horner is negotiating to buy a stake in the Formula 1 outfit. Horner, who led Red Bull Racing until his dismissal in July, has been the subject of speculation about his next move in the sport. He has held talks with Aston Martin and Haas, but those discussions faltered partly because Horner insists on equity involvement in any new venture.
Alpine is primarily owned by Renault, with 24% held by Otro Capital—a group associated with celebrities including Ryan Reynolds and Michael B. Jordan. This minority stake was acquired for €200 million in 2023. Briatore explained the situation: "Otro wants to sell the participation in Alpine. It's a few groups interested to buy 24% of Otro. We don't know."
He emphasized the process: "The moment somebody buys 24% of Otro, we still have 74-75% and we discuss. But for the moment, this is the situation." Briatore, who has known Horner for years, clarified his non-involvement: "I’ve known Christian for many years, I talk with Christian anyway, but this has nothing to do with me. First, you need to buy Otro, and after Renault needs to accept the buyer, and after we see what happens. But it has no link with me because he is negotiating with Otro, not negotiating with us."
Currently, Steve Nielsen serves as Alpine's managing director, though Briatore wields significant influence. No deal is confirmed, and the outcome remains uncertain pending shareholder and Renault approvals.