Christian Horner, the former Red Bull Racing team principal, could be staging a sensational return to Formula 1 alongside Flavio Briatore at Alpine in a groundbreaking move that is sending shockwaves through the motorsport world.
Giancarlo Fisichella, a former F1 driver, hinted at a potential collaboration between Horner and Briatore, describing it as “a good compromise” for the struggling Alpine F1 team. Fisichella’s insights come amid speculation of Horner’s comeback following his abrupt departure from Red Bull Racing after a remarkable 20-year tenure.
Having clinched an impressive six Constructors’ titles and eight Drivers’ championships during his time at Red Bull, Horner’s comeback could reshape the F1 landscape. Recent reports suggest that Horner has officially parted ways with Red Bull after a hefty $100 million settlement, paving the way for his anticipated return to the pinnacle of motorsport as early as the 2026 season.
While Horner’s focus currently lies elsewhere, with no active discussions ongoing for an F1 return, the possibility of him teaming up with Briatore at Alpine has set tongues wagging. The potential partnership between the two influential figures could inject new life into the struggling Alpine team, currently languishing at the bottom of the championship standings.
Briatore’s controversial return to F1, coupled with Alpine’s upcoming switch to customer Mercedes engines, hints at a significant overhaul within the team. Despite Alpine’s lackluster performance in the 2025 season, Fisichella remains optimistic about Briatore’s ability to steer the team towards success, labeling him as “the right man” for the job.
The prospect of Horner and Briatore joining forces has garnered mixed reactions within the F1 community, with Toto Wolff, the Mercedes team principal, likening their potential collaboration to a mafia reunion. Wolff’s comments add fuel to the already blazing fire of speculation surrounding Horner’s comeback and the transformative impact it could have on Alpine and the wider F1 grid.
As the motorsport world braces for a potential seismic shift, all eyes are on Christian Horner and Flavio Briatore as they hover on the brink of a monumental partnership that could reshape the future of Formula 1.