Christian Horner is on the verge of getting back into F1 following his massive payoff from Red Bull
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Christian Horner and wife Geri boast an incredible combined net worth(Image: Mark Thompson, Getty Images)
Christian Horner is desperate to make a Formula 1 comeback despite his stunning net worth, which even exceeds that of his former driver, Max Verstappen. Horner, who pocketed an estimated settlement of between £50million and £80million after being axed as Red Bull team principal midway through last season, is now part of a consortium eyeing up the Alpine squad.
The group is in discussions to acquire the 24 per cent shareholding currently held by Otro Capital, which counts big-name backers like Rory McIlroy and Anthony Joshua among its investors. Horner possesses both the connections and, crucially, the financial clout to buy his way into an F1 outfit.
The 52-year-old is determined to pursue this avenue rather than accept another team principal position. Together with his wife Geri, the former Spice Girl, the pair are reportedly worth a staggering £440million.
That figure is nearly triple the net worth of Red Bull’s four-time F1 world champion Verstappen, who sits at approximately £168million. Horner was earning roughly £10million annually when he got the boot following Red Bull’s disappointing opening half of 2025.
The duo own plush homes in Hertfordshire and Oxfordshire, conveniently close to Alpine’s Enstone headquarters. The single-minded Verstappen won’t be fretting over his former chief’s fortune. At just 28, with potentially numerous F1 campaigns still to come, should he wish, Verstappen has ample opportunity to dramatically expand his riches.
The Dutchman is understood to earn £65million a year from Red Bull, where he’s spent his entire F1 career so far, having started out in the sister team, now Racing Bulls. However, that doesn’t quite crown him the wealthiest active F1 driver. That honour belongs to Lewis Hamilton, who boasts an estimated net worth of £385m.
Regarding Horner’s interest in Alpine, the Renault-owned outfit acknowledged it was “no secret” that Otro Capital had engaged in initial discussions about offloading its shareholding in the squad, which languished at the foot of the constructors’ championship table last season. They also confirmed that Horner featured among the prospective buyers.
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Horner’s working relationship with Max Verstappen ended midway through 2025(Image: Getty)
Alpine said in a statement: “With the continued rapid growth of Formula One, the valuation of the teams has been increasing and, not surprisingly, has led to multiple interested parties looking to enter the sport.
“The team is regularly approached and contacted from potential investors, particularly given Otro Capital declared exploratory talks have taken place. One of those parties to express an interest is a group of investors, which also includes Christian Horner.
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Horner is looking to return to F1 with Alpine(Image: Getty)
“Any approaches or discussions are with the existing shareholders, Otro Capital (24 per cent) and Renault Group (76 per cent), not directly with (boss) Flavio Briatore or the team.”
After abandoning its in-house engine programme, Alpine has switched to Mercedes power units for this season, which sees a major shake-up of technical regulations.
The first of three pre-season tests took place this week in Barcelona. The second and third will be held in Bahrain in February before the season-opening Australian Grand Prix from March 6-8.