Overview

• Christian Horner was dismissed by Red Bull on July 9 after nearly two decades at the helm and is negotiating an estimated $50 million exit package under a contract running through 2030.
• Red Bull sources indicate the team is seeking to reduce the payout and is in talks with Horner’s legal advisors over the final terms.
• Sky Sports analysts Ted Kravitz and Karun Chandhok point to Alpine’s UK base at Enstone and its personnel overlap with Milton Keynes as factors favoring Horner’s potential move.
• Industry speculation links Horner with a reunion alongside Sergio Pérez at Alpine, boosted by Escudería Telmex sponsorship during the team’s restructuring.
• Sources report that Max Verstappen is preparing to activate an exit clause and join Mercedes for the 2026 season under new engine regulations.