Christian Horner owner of Alpine? Renault boss François Provost denies it!

On 9 July 2025, the time of the longest-serving Formula 1 team boss had come to an end: After 20 years at the helm of Red Bull Racing, Christian Horner had to leave and was replaced by Frenchman Laurent Mekies.

Since then, there has been repeated talk that Horner would like to return to Formula 1. In Italy, there was speculation that Ferrari would roll out the red carpet for him as Fred Vasseur's successor; in England, it was rumoured that Aston Martin wanted to hire Horner - which led to a denial from Aston Martin boss Lawrence Stroll. And there are persistent rumours that Horner could take over shares in Alpine as part of a group of investors.

Renault is currently the majority owner of Alpine F1, with 76 per cent. Renault CEO François Provost has now told the Press Association news agency: "There are no talks with Christian Horner. We are currently examining the options. I want the Renault Group to retain control of our team."

"Whoever owns other shares will have no impact on us as a team. Alpine is an independent team and we intend to remain in control."

Horner on his return

There was a lot of talk and rumours about Christian Horner, but he himself remained silent. Until February 2026, when the Briton said at the European Motor Show in Dublin: "I have the feeling that I still have unfinished business in Formula 1. It didn't end the way I would have liked."

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"But I'm not coming back for anything. I will only come back if I can win. I only want to step back into the paddock if I have something to do. I miss the sport, I miss the people, I miss the team I built."

"I had 21 incredible years in Formula 1. It was a great time, I won many races and championships and was able to work with fantastic drivers, engineers and partners."

"I don't have to go back. I could end my career now. So I would only return for the right opportunity to work in an environment where people want to win and share my attitude."

"I'd rather be a co-owner, not just an employee, but let's see how it works out. I'm not in a rush. I don't have to do anything."

"I think I've been linked to every single team, from the back of the pack to the middle to the very front. It's very flattering to keep being linked to all these different teams."