Christian Horner addresses Alpine links and hints at F1 comeback. Christian Horner has addressed growing speculation linking him to Alpine.

Christian Horner was a privileged spectator at the MotoGP Sprint in Jerez. The British manager also spoke about Formula 1.

Horner considers a return to F1

After being dismissed by Red Bull in mid-2025, Christian Horner stepped away from Formula 1. However, given his history and achievements, the Briton is not willing to exit the sport in this way and is already planning a return.

The gardening leave period of the former Red Bull team principal is now close to ending (it is expected to conclude in spring), meaning that by the summer Christian Horner will be free to start working for another team.

Alpine appears to be the most interested destination, but the former Red Bull boss is reportedly aiming for equity in any project. He is part of a consortium looking to acquire a 24% stake in Otro Capital — a stake also being targeted by Mercedes and the owner of the New York Mets — and he is not willing to settle for a purely operational role, even one with full responsibility at the pit wall.

Horner’s words

“Me at Alpine? There are always rumours going around. For now, I’m still on a break and I’m not in a hurry. When it ends, we’ll see,” he told Sky Sport MotoGP.

“At the moment I’m enjoying watching other sports.”

Meanwhile, the Briton was an “honoured guest” at the Sprint in Jerez de la Frontera:

“I’m here as a guest of MotoGP and Liberty Media. I’ve had some time to watch other races, I’ve always been a fan of the championship, so being here is fantastic. I’m also a fan of Marc Márquez — he is the Max Verstappen of MotoGP.”

Christian Horner’s appearance in the MotoGP paddock highlights his enduring passion for high-level competition while he bides his time away from the F1 limelight. While the rumors linking him to a transformative role at Alpine continue to intensify, Horner seems content to wait for the right opportunity that matches his managerial and commercial ambitions. As his gardening leave concludes, the mid-season shift in F1 leadership dynamics could become one of the most significant storylines of 2026.