Christian Horner is reportedly exploring the option to invest in a Formula 1 team, according to former driver Christijan Albers. The discussion took place recently during a meeting in Paris, where Horner was visiting the FIA, as Albers revealed in an interview with Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf. Rising share values within Formula 1 teams have influenced Horner’s interest amid a competitive market for ownership stakes.
Challenges of Acquiring Shares Amid Growing Team Valuations
Albers explained that Horner is supported by several investors keen to back a potential purchase, but few teams are willing to sell their shares due to increasing valuations.
“He told me he has enough investors behind him to see if there’s a possibility,”
Albers said.
“But only a few teams want to sell. The value of the shares has risen enormously, so many teams are holding on to them. The conclusion is that values could rise even further.”
Even teams at the lower end of the grid, such as Alpine, have experienced significant increases in their market value, underlining the overall growth in team valuations.
Alpine’s Rising Share Values Illustrate Market Trends
Albers highlighted Alpine as a key example, pointing out how its shares have gained value despite last year’s poor performance.
“Even at Alpine, last year’s worst-performing team, the value of the shares has increased significantly in recent years,”
he noted. This trend makes it more challenging for potential buyers to secure stakes in Formula 1 teams.
Confidential Nature of Discussions and Future Speculations
While speculation has mostly linked Horner’s investment interest to Alpine, Albers refrained from confirming any team specifically, emphasizing the private nature of their conversation.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I can’t say everything,”
he cautioned.
“Everything we say here gets translated and goes to England, and then it looks like I’m trying to take someone down, which I’m not. I had a very pleasant conversation with him.”
The two spoke for about an hour, covering Horner’s recent departure from Red Bull and broader thoughts on the sport. Horner reflected on his exit and whether the current team environment is better now.
Insights into Horner’s Views on Red Bull Departure and Formula 1 Outlook
Albers recalled,
“We talked about his exit, what he thought of it and what I thought. He doesn’t know if the team is in a better place now. I also said that at some point a situation arises that is no longer sustainable – and he agreed with that himself.”
This exchange hints at Horner’s contemplative approach to both his past at Red Bull and his potential future involvement as an investor in Formula 1, reflecting serious considerations amid evolving dynamics in the sport’s team ownership landscape.
