Ferrari Tops F1 Valuation Amid Red Bull’s Leadership Shake‑Up and Horner’s Quest for Full Control

Former Red Bull Racing Chief Eyes F1 Comeback, Alpine a Potential Destination

The Formula 1 landscape is bracing for potential shifts as recently ousted Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner explores a return to the sport. The experienced leader, who guided his team to eight drivers’ championships and six constructors’ titles over two decades, is reportedly seeking a position with meaningful authority and ownership, sparking speculation about a possible move to Alpine.

Horner’s Departure and Subsequent Fallout at Red Bull

Horner’s exit from Red Bull followed accusations of inappropriate behavior and a subsequent internal investigation, although the findings were never publicly detailed. He consistently denied the allegations. The period leading up to his departure was marked by internal turmoil,culminating in the exit of key personnel including Chief Technical Officer Adrian Newey,Sporting Director Jonathan Wheatley,and Head of Strategy Will Courtenay during 2024.

The Alpine Opportunity and Potential Obstacles

A potential acquisition of Alpine,currently valued at $2.45 billion, has been discussed as a pathway for Horner’s return. However, achieving his ambitions – full control, a role exceeding team principal, and a considerable shareholding – would likely require Renault, Alpine’s parent company, to relinquish its majority stake. This presents a significant hurdle, as Renault’s long-term commitment to the team remains strong.

Red Bull’s Resurgence Post-Horner

Following Horner’s departure and the appointment of Laurent Mekies as his replacement, Red Bull experienced a revival in performance. Max Verstappen nearly secured the 2025 drivers’ title, ultimately finishing a mere two points behind McLaren’s Lando Norris. Verstappen publicly acknowledged his long-standing positive relationship with Horner, noting the team’s need for a clear direction when performance faltered.

F1 Team Valuations: A Snapshot

The financial strength of Formula 1 teams continues to rise, attracting significant investment and interest.According to Forbes’ 2025 estimates,Ferrari remains the most valuable team,at $6.5 billion, closely followed by Mercedes at $6 billion. This escalating value underscores the sport’s growing global appeal and commercial success.

Team	Estimated Value (USD Billions)
Ferrari	6.5
Mercedes	6.0
Alpine	2.45

The Broader Implications for Formula 1

Horner’s potential return and the shifting dynamics within Red Bull highlight the high-stakes nature of Formula 1 management. The sport experienced significant governance changes in recent years, aiming for greater financial equity and competitive balance, as detailed by the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). These changes have led to increased scrutiny of team finances and operational structures.

The current regulations, introduced in 2022, aimed to level the playing field, but the performance gap between teams still exists. Will Horner’s return—or a similar leadership shakeup—lead to further restructuring and a recalibration of the competitive order?

What role will team ownership play in the future of Formula 1, and how might increased investor interest impact the sport’s long-term stability?

Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with fellow F1 enthusiasts!

Why is Ferrari’s valuation Higher Than Red Bull’s in 2026?

Ferrari Tops F1 Valuation Amid Red Bull’s Leadership Shake‑Up and Horner’s Quest for Full Control

The Formula 1 landscape is undergoing a notable shift, and it’s not just happening on the track. Recent financial valuations reveal Ferrari now leads the pack in team value, a position bolstered by the ongoing turmoil within Red Bull Racing and Christian Horner’s continued efforts to solidify his authority. This article dives into the factors driving Ferrari’s rise, the complexities of the Red Bull situation, and what it all means for the future of F1.

Ferrari’s ascending Value: A Brand Beyond Racing

Ferrari’s valuation surge isn’t solely tied to on-track performance, though their promising developments with the 2026 power unit are certainly contributing. The Prancing Horse benefits from a legacy unmatched in motorsport and a powerful brand recognition that extends far beyond Formula 1.

* Brand Power: Ferrari is synonymous with luxury, performance, and exclusivity. This translates into substantial revenue streams from road car sales, merchandise, and licensing – areas where other F1 teams have limited reach.

* Historical Significance: Over seven decades of Formula 1 participation have cemented Ferrari’s place in racing history. This heritage attracts fans, sponsors, and investment.

* Strategic Investments: ferrari’s parent company, exor, has made strategic investments that support the F1 team’s long-term growth and financial stability.

* 2026 Power Unit Advantage: Early indications suggest Ferrari’s new engine design for the 2026 regulation changes is highly competitive, potentially giving them a significant performance edge.

recent estimates place Ferrari’s team value exceeding $4 billion, a substantial leap over its rivals. This valuation reflects not just current performance, but future potential and the inherent value of the Ferrari brand.

Red Bull’s Internal strife: A Distraction with Financial Repercussions

The controversy surrounding Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner has cast a long shadow over the team and the wider F1 community. While Red Bull continues to dominate on the track – thanks largely to Max Verstappen – the internal investigations and power struggles are impacting its financial standing.

* Horner’s position: Despite allegations of inappropriate behavior, Horner remains in control, though scrutiny continues. His attempts to consolidate power within the Red Bull organization are creating friction.

* Shareholder Disputes: The conflict between Red Bull’s Thai majority owner, Chalerm Yoovidhya, and the Austrian side led by Dietrich Mateschitz’s family is a key driver of the instability. This disagreement impacts strategic decision-making.

* Sponsorship concerns: Several sponsors have expressed concerns about the negative publicity surrounding Red Bull, potentially leading to reduced investment.

* Impact on Valuation: The uncertainty surrounding Red Bull’s leadership and internal dynamics has led to a decrease in its estimated valuation, falling behind Ferrari and Mercedes.

The Horner Examination: A Timeline of Events

The allegations against Horner surfaced in early 2026, triggering an internal investigation conducted by Red Bull GmbH.

1. Initial Allegations (January 15th,2026): Reports emerged detailing accusations of inappropriate behavior towards a team member.
2. Internal Investigation (January 16th – Febuary 2nd, 2026): Red Bull GmbH launched a full investigation, led by an external barrister.
3. Horner Cleared (February 3rd, 2026): Red Bull announced Horner was cleared of any wrongdoing, a decision met with skepticism from some within the F1 paddock.
4. Continued Scrutiny (February 4th – Present): Leaked materials and ongoing media coverage continue to fuel speculation and pressure on Horner and Red Bull.

The handling of the investigation and the subsequent fallout have raised questions about transparency and governance within Red Bull Racing.

Mercedes’ Position and the Shifting Power dynamics

While Ferrari and Red Bull dominate the headlines, Mercedes remains a significant player in the F1 valuation game.The Silver Arrows, despite recent performance dips, maintain a strong brand and a history of success.

* Technological Innovation: Mercedes continues to invest heavily in research and development, particularly in areas like powertrain technology and aerodynamic efficiency.

* Lewis Hamilton’s Departure: The move of Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari in 2025 has created a void within the Mercedes team, but also presents an prospect for new talent to emerge.

* Strategic Partnerships: Mercedes benefits from strong partnerships with automotive manufacturers and technology companies.

* Valuation Stability: Mercedes’ valuation remains relatively stable, but it faces the challenge of regaining its competitive edge on the track.

The Future of F1: What These changes Mean

The current situation signals a potential shift in the balance of power within Formula 1. Ferrari’s rising valuation and Red Bull’s internal struggles could have far-reaching consequences.

* Increased Competition: A more competitive landscape benefits the sport as a whole, attracting more fans and sponsors.

* Investment Opportunities: The changing valuations create opportunities for investment in F1 teams and related technologies.

* Governance and Transparency: The Red Bull controversy highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability within F1 teams.

* Driver Market Volatility: The movement of key drivers like Hamilton can trigger a ripple effect throughout the driver market, impacting team performance and valuations.

Case Study: Ferrari’s Brand leveraging

Ferrari’s success isn’t just about winning races; it’s about effectively leveraging its brand across