Alpine executive advisor Flavio Briatore has expressed strong support for Christian Horner’s potential involvement with the Enstone-based Formula 1 team, either as an investor or in another capacity. Speaking during Friday’s FIA team principal press conference at the Monaco Grand Prix, Briatore emphasized his positive relationship with the former Red Bull Racing team principal, stating he would have “zero problem” working with the 52-year-old Englishman again.
Horner, who was dismissed from his Red Bull role in July 2025 after two decades leading the energy drink company’s F1 operation, has reportedly concluded his gardening leave period and is exploring opportunities that would include ownership stakes in Formula 1 teams. His interest appears focused on Alpine’s available Otro Capital stake, which represents 24 percent of the team and is currently on the market.
The potential collaboration has historical precedent, as Briatore noted their successful five-year partnership when Renault supplied engines to Red Bull Racing. “I know him 20 years, and we worked together on the engine. I supplied the engine to him at the time with Renault, we called Nissan, and we were working for five years together. Super, zero problem,” Briatore explained to media members.
However, the Alpine advisor acknowledged that any final decision regarding Horner’s involvement would ultimately rest with the Renault Group, which maintains control over such strategic decisions. Recent reports from the BBC suggested that Renault had vetoed Horner’s potential buy-in to the team, though Briatore directed questions about the investment process to the French automotive manufacturer rather than confirming these claims.
The Alpine ownership situation gained additional complexity following Mercedes’ withdrawal from negotiations to purchase the Otro Capital stake last week. Mercedes had been considered a frontrunner for the investment, given their existing power unit supply relationship with Alpine, but their exit has opened the door for other potential investors, including Horner and various investment groups.