The Formula One community was taken by surprise when Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing’s long-serving team principal, officially stepped down. Having led Red Bull since 2005 and achieved monumental success with drivers like Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, Horner’s departure has stirred widespread speculation. Among the most compelling rumors is a potential new partnership with Alpine — a struggling team currently at the bottom of the constructors’ standings. Many see Horner as the type of leader who could bring much-needed stability and vision to the faltering outfit.
Alpine has endured a dismal 2025 season, plagued by poor performance and internal dysfunction. With the team desperate for change, Horner’s expertise and proven leadership have made him an attractive prospect. His ability to transform Red Bull into a powerhouse could be exactly what Alpine needs to climb out of its slump. However, the speculation doesn’t stop there — rumors also suggest Horner may not make this move alone.
A controversial twist to this potential partnership involves Bernie Ecclestone, the former F1 chief executive, possibly returning in an advisory role. Now 94 years old, Ecclestone remains a polarizing figure. While he is credited with globalizing Formula 1 during his three-decade reign, his return is raising eyebrows due to his outdated views and history of controversial statements. Many fear that reintroducing him into the sport — especially alongside a team like Alpine — could clash with the modern image F1 is striving to maintain.
Ecclestone’s past remarks, particularly those targeting Lewis Hamilton and women in motorsport, have not aged well. He often downplayed Hamilton’s off-track influence and made dismissive comments about female drivers. These views have drawn widespread criticism, especially in an era when Formula 1 is pushing for diversity and inclusivity through initiatives like the F1 Academy and “We Race As One.” Reintroducing Ecclestone could damage these efforts and alienate key audiences.
Ultimately, while Horner could be the transformative force Alpine desperately needs, any involvement by Ecclestone could backfire. F1’s current leadership under Liberty Media is steering the sport into a more progressive, inclusive future. Aligning with someone whose legacy includes controversial and regressive views risks undoing years of positive change. If Formula 1 wants to continue evolving, it must weigh the cost of revisiting its past too closely.
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