Christian Horner to make offer to Anthony Joshua and Rory McIlroy as F1 job talks advanced

Former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner is reportedly eyeing a return to Formula 1 with Alpine - where he could buy shares from Anthony Joshua and Rory McIlroy. The 52-year-old formally left Red Bull in September after agreeing a severance deal following his sacking as team principal in July.

Horner was in charge of the F1 team since their inception in 2005, leading them to eight drivers' championships and six constructors' championship titles. He was dismissed after a controversial 18 months that started when a female employee accused him of sexual harassment - an allegation he denied and one that was made public in February 2024.

Horner was twice cleared of the claims, firstly after an internal investigation conducted by a lawyer, then by another lawyer who dismissed the complainant's appeal.

Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf now report that the Englishman could return to F1 in 2026. It is said that the earliest he can return to the sport is the spring, when his gardening leave from Red Bull ends.

The former team principal was previously linked with Aston Martin, but his former colleague, Adrian Newey, has since been promoted to team principal. However, it is claimed that he is not just aiming for a return as team principal, with reports that he would also like to acquire a stake in a racing team.

Horner is reportedly in talks with Alpine, where his close friend Flavio Briatore is in charge. The Renault Group is Alpine's majority shareholder, but since 2023, 24 per cent of their shares have been held by an American consortium, Otro Capital.

Well-known athletes and other stars are affiliated with Otro as investors, including boxer Joshua, golfer McIlroy, footballer Trent Alexander-Arnold and actor Ryan Reynolds. However, it is said that the consortium are exploring the possibility of selling the shares, which could be bought by Horner and a group of investors.

Should Horner join Alpine he would do so after the team suffered one of their worst seasons ever. The Oxfordshire-based side finished bottom of the constructors' championship table, with drivers Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto 18th and 20th in the drivers' standings.

When asked about the potential deal, Horner reportedly did not deny being in talks with Alpine, but declined to comment further.