Christian Horner may be set to make a shock return to F1 as he has been tipped to return as a team principal in the future.
Horner was removed from his role at Red Bull following the British Grand Prix earlier this year. He had been with the Milton Keynes-based team since its inception in 2005.
It has now been revealed by former Red Bull driver Robert Doombos that we will see Horner back in the F1 paddock sooner rather than later.
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He revealed: "Knowing Christian, yes [he will return].
Christian Horner may be set to return to F1
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“Let's not forget, he's incredibly young. He already has 20 years of experience, but he's still only 51. 20 years of experience as an F1 team principal and CEO of one of the world's largest brands, in both automotive and marketing."
And when asked where the former CEO should return, he added: “Only Alpine, if I go down the list.”
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The former driver claimed that the current Alpine boss, Flavio Briatore, will eventually leave, opening up a slot for Horner.
“Flavio isn't going to do it forever. Christian [could] say, 'I like a project like that, I'll take it on, and I want shares, then we'll make it a huge success again'. There are also bright minds there who have been successful in the past,” he concluded.
If Horner follows what Doombos’ suggestions and join the Enstone team, he would be encountering a very different challenge to his days at Red Bull.
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Christian Horner and Flavio Briatore were close friends in the paddock
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Alpine are currently bottom of the constructors' standings and have struggled to get a grip on their car this year.
The team has only scored 20 points from the first 14 races and don't seem to be able to turn the tide quickly. Not only are they struggling with the car, they are also struggling with their driver predicament.
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Pierre Gasly has scored all of the points for Alpine this season, as drivers in the second seat have struggled.
Jack Doohan started the season for Alpine, but was replaced by Franco Colapinto.
Robert Doornbos raced for Red Bull in the 2000's | GETTY
The Argentine impressed last season with Williams but has been unable to create the same performance with Alpine. He has struggled with his vehicle and is fighting for his future as a result.
Rumours have linked Valterri Bottas to the seat, but it remains to be seen what changes Alpine will make, both for thier drivers and team principals.