Jan.30 (GMM) Christian Horner has added additional gasoline to hypothesis about his Formulation 1 future after being noticed on the FIA’s Paris headquarters for talks with president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
The assembly comes simply days after Flavio Briatore confirmed that Horner and his backers are amongst these exploring the acquisition of the 24 p.c Otro Capital stake in Alpine.
Whereas some rumours counsel the ousted Purple Bull boss may think about various routes again into Formulation 1 – together with a extremely unlikely transfer involving Racing Bulls, and even discussions linked to a possible future twelfth crew slot – the Alpine situation continues to assemble momentum.
Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher believes the result is already determined.
“From what I’ve heard, the settlement between Horner and Alpine is mainly already achieved,” Schumacher mentioned on Sky Deutschland’s Backstage Boxengasse podcast. “It’s solely a matter of time earlier than we see Horner again within the paddock.”
Schumacher predicted, nevertheless, that any return wouldn’t be quick.
“That will likely be extra round mid-season and even in the direction of the tip of 2027,” he mentioned.
He pointed to the present complexity at Alpine, together with its model new technical relationship with Mercedes.
“That additionally has to do with the truth that Mercedes is at the moment concerned with the crew, and that Toto Wolff and Christian Horner are, logically, not precisely greatest mates,” Schumacher mentioned. “At Alpine, from what I’ve heard, they first need calm to return. Solely after that can they begin excited about structural adjustments.”
Schumacher additionally prompt Briatore’s affect may very well be a complicating issue.
“Somebody like Christian Horner would need an actual function – to be co-owner and to be current on web site,” he mentioned. “That might imply Briatore’s sole management adjustments, and even ends. And that’s precisely what he doesn’t need.”
