Horner eyes Alpine exit: talks with Briatore heat up after Red Bull sidelining

Christian Horner faces a dramatic fall from power at Red Bull Racing, losing contract authority amid internal dissent. Now, he is exploring a comeback through Alpine, engaging with Flavio Briatore to potentially replace the resigned Oliver Oakes, signaling a major shift in Formula 1 team leadership dynamics.

Sources:
GPblog
Updated 2h ago
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Sources: GPblog
Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing's team principal, is reportedly considering an exit amid internal power struggles and reduced influence within the team.

For years, Horner enjoyed strong backing from Chalerm Yoovidhya, Thai co-owner of Red Bull GmbH, but that support has now ended. "For Chalerm Yoovidhya, enough is enough," according to GPblog.

Recent internal measures have curtailed Horner's authority, notably stripping him of the ability to sign driver contracts, a responsibility now held solely by Helmut Marko and Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull GmbH's managing director.

Horner has publicly hinted at interest from other teams, revealing to German media that Ferrari had once courted him, though not recently. More significantly, he is currently in discussions with Flavio Briatore, Alpine's advisor, who is seeking a replacement for the recently departed Oliver Oakes.

The tension within Red Bull Racing is further underscored by Horner's failed attempt to remove Helmut Marko a year ago. This move backfired when star driver Max Verstappen declared, "If Helmut goes, I go," making Horner's position precarious.

These developments suggest Horner's future at Red Bull is uncertain, with Alpine emerging as a potential new destination as talks with Briatore intensify.

Key quotes and stats:
"For Chalerm Yoovidhya, enough is enough."
"The team principal is no longer allowed to sign contracts with drivers; only Helmut Marko and Oliver Mintzlaff can do that."
"If Helmut goes, I go." - Max Verstappen

This evolving situation highlights the shifting dynamics within Red Bull Racing and the broader Formula 1 leadership landscape.
Sources: GPblog
Red Bull Racing's Christian Horner faces internal restrictions and waning support from co-owner Chalerm Yoovidhya. After being sidelined, Horner is reportedly in talks with Alpine advisor Flavio Briatore about a potential move, following past interest from Ferrari and internal team conflicts.
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The Headline

Horner sidelined at Red Bull, eyes Alpine move

If Helmut goes, I go.
Max Verstappen
GPblog
Key Facts
  • Chalerm Yoovidhya, co-owner of Red Bull GmbH, has withdrawn his unconditional support for Christian Horner after long-standing backing.GPblog
  • Internal measures at Red Bull Racing now limit Horner's authority, preventing him from signing driver contracts; this power is reserved for Helmut Marko and Oliver Mintzlaff.GPblog
  • Christian Horner has publicly hinted at interest from Ferrari and is currently in talks with Flavio Briatore about a potential role at Alpine following Oliver Oakes' resignation.GPblog
Background Context

Horner's failed attempt to remove Marko a year ago

Key Facts
  • Christian Horner tried to oust Helmut Marko a year ago but failed because Max Verstappen threatened to leave if Marko was removed.GPblog
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