Christian Horner’s F1 Return Hits Roadblock as Alpine Contract Clause Delays Deal Until September

Christian Horner’s Comeback Put on Hold

Christian Horner’s long-rumoured return to Formula 1 has hit the brakes after a contractual clause was uncovered that prevents any sale or transfer of Alpine F1’s minority shares until September 2026.

The former Red Bull Racing team principal, who left the team in mid-2025 after nearly two decades and six Constructors’ titles, had been considered a front-runner to re-enter the sport via a private stake in Alpine Racing Ltd. But leaked company filings have revealed a “lock-up” clause blocking any shareholder sales until three years after the official signing in September 2023.

That means any deal allowing Horner to buy into the team can’t happen until autumn 2026 — months after his Red Bull gardening leave expires in the spring.

The Clause That Changed Everything

The restriction originates from Otro Capital, the U.S.-based investment firm that holds a 24% stake in Alpine F1. The group, backed by celebrity investors such as Ryan Reynolds, Rory McIlroy, and Patrick Mahomes, joined Alpine in 2023 with Renault retaining 76% ownership.

Under the agreement:

Otro Capital is prohibited from selling its stake until September 2026.
Renault must approve any future share transfer.
The automaker retains first refusal rights to buy back the shares.

With Renault CEO François Provost reaffirming the company’s “long-term F1 commitment,” any deal involving Horner now hangs in the balance.

Horner’s Limited Options Beyond Alpine

Despite his impressive record, Horner’s comeback prospects appear narrow. Reports have linked him to Aston Martin, where engineers and strategic partners from his Red Bull era have migrated — including Adrian Newey, now team principal. However, sources suggest Newey is not keen on a reunion, and team owner Lawrence Stroll’s firm grip makes any management role unlikely.

Other possibilities — including assisting new investors in smaller teams or even launching a management group — have been floated, but none match the allure or stability of an Alpine deal.

Why Alpine Is Still an Attractive Option

Though Alpine endured a tough 2025, finishing bottom of the Constructors’ Championship with 22 points, the French outfit remains a sleeping giant. The team will switch to Mercedes power units in 2026, offering a much-needed technical reset under F1’s next-generation regulations.

And with Alpine’s valuation soaring from $900 million in 2023 to $2.45 billion in 2025 (according to Forbes), it represents a potentially lucrative long-term play—if Horner is willing to wait.

Bernie Ecclestone’s Advice: Patience Pays

Former F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone, a long-time ally of Horner, reportedly advised him to focus on ownership rather than immediate management. Ecclestone also cautioned that investing in Alpine’s “unstable” structure could be risky unless ownership control becomes possible.

For now, Horner must bide his time. His Red Bull non-compete period ends shortly before the 2026 season opener, but the Alpine lock-up clause leaves him watching from the sidelines—at least until autumn.

The Bigger Picture for Formula 1

The timing couldn’t be more intriguing. Formula 1 enters a fresh era in 2026 with sweeping engine and aerodynamic regulations, promising to shuffle the competitive order once again. Horner’s future involvement — if realized — could reshape more than just Alpine’s fortunes; it could mark one of the most fascinating comebacks in modern F1 history.