Christian Horner’s ambitious Formula 1 revenge journey may have just hit a brick wall. After months of lobbying for a return to the paddock, the ousted Red Bull boss has just accepted a brand new job. It has absolutely nothing to do with motorsport.
The latest report comes from Grand Prix 247 It was confirmed that Horner currently works at private equity firm Oakley Capital. He will serve as special adviser. His new role is entirely focused on investing in quality sports.
advertise
Horner’s private equity reality check
If you look at Oakley Capital’s current portfolio, you’ll see the reality. The company holds an investment in Athena Racing. This is the sailing team competing in the America’s Cup. They also support a variety of golf and cricket brands.
October 19, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner before the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix sprint race at Circuit of the Americas. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-Imagn Images
Horner released a standard company statement about the move. He expressed his long-standing respect for Oakley founder Peter Dubens. He also praised the company’s approach to founder-led businesses. “Oakley Capital has built a strong reputation in the sports and consumer sectors and I look forward to working together in the future and sharing my experience,” said Horner.
advertise
Dubens echoed the company’s pleasantries. He praised Horner as a highly successful leader in global sports. The founder claims Horner’s business instincts will help expand their growing portfolio.
Strategic retreat or closed door?
We need to understand the immediate context of this move. Just days ago, Horner was reported to be holding high-level talks with Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD. He wants to build a 12th Formula One team. He also tried to buy a 24% stake in Alpine.
But as we previously reported, Toto Wolff and Mercedes are actively moving to hijack the Alpine deal. Formula 1 bodies are working hard to keep Horner out of the car. Serving as a consultant for sailboat racing and paddleboard brands feels like a giant white flag. It shows that Horner finally realizes that the gates to the F1 paddock are now locked.
advertise
The main question is whether Horner is just killing time in this private equity job. He may also secretly plan to use Oakley Capital’s huge financial leverage to fund a future hostile takeover of F1. Until then, the former Red Bull coach can only watch the 2026 season from the outside.