Christian Horner is reportedly engaged in advanced negotiations to purchase a significant ownership stake in Alpine as he prepares his return to Formula 1 this spring - but has been warned off a move.
The former Red Bull chief, who departed the Milton Keynes outfit last summer after two decades at the helm, is said to be targeting Otro Capital's 24 per cent holding in the French constructor.
Should the deal materialise, it would value Alpine at approximately £2.5 billion.
The investment consortium acquired its stake from Renault for £173 million in 2023, meaning the shares would now be worth some £600 million.
Christian Horner has been tipped to return to F1 with Alpine | REUTERSOtro Capital is understood to welcome Horner's potential involvement.
Despite these discussions, Bernie Ecclestone has cautioned Horner against investing in the struggling French outfit.
The former Formula 1 supremo has instead encouraged the 52-year-old to pursue opportunities at Aston Martin.
According to reports, Otro Capital could potentially be involved in any Silverstone-based venture, suggesting the negotiations surrounding Horner's return are rather intricate.
Flavio Briatore, described as a close confidante of Horner, currently oversees Alpine's operations.
Bernie Ecclestone has warned Christian Horner about joining Alpine
| GETTYThe team endured a dismal 2024 campaign, finishing bottom of the constructors' championship standings.
Alpine will switch to Mercedes power units from 2026, running the German engines through to 2030.
However, Horner himself has reportedly dismissed any prospect of joining Aston Martin under its present ownership structure.
According to reports, the Briton has no desire to work alongside Lawrence Stroll's management team.
The principal stumbling block concerns the driver line-up, which Horner would be unable to alter to his liking.
Lance Stroll, the owner's son, occupies one of the team's seats and is widely expected to retain his position for as long as his father controls the Silverstone operation.
Lawrence Stroll invested substantially in his son's racing career, supporting his progression to Formula 1 with Williams in 2017.
Adrian Newey had worked with Christian Horner at Red Bull
| GETTYThe prospect of Horner arriving at Aston Martin has also reportedly unsettled Adrian Newey, who now serves as team principal following a leadership restructure in late November.
Despite their shared success at Red Bull during the early 2010s and 2020s, Newey is said to have little appetite for renewing their professional partnership.
The celebrated designer fears that Horner's presence could undermine Aston Martin's efforts to secure Max Verstappen, his primary driver target.
Verstappen himself has acknowledged that Red Bull ceased functioning properly in the period preceding Horner's departure.
Whilst the Dutchman remains appreciative of his former boss, he may no longer view those methods as suitable.