Ex-Red Bull team principal takes first major position since his shock departure from Formula 1, turning his attention to the booming sports investment market
Christian Horner has taken on a surprising new role outside Formula 1, accepting a position as an advisor to London-based private equity firm Oakley Capital nearly a year after his dramatic departure from Red Bull Racing.
The 52-year-old former team principal, who was dismissed by Red Bull in the summer of 2025 after more than two decades at the helm, had been heavily linked with a return to the Formula 1 paddock. Speculation connected him to senior positions at Alpine F1 Team, Aston Martin F1 Team and even a potential future project involving Chinese automotive giant BYD.
Instead, Horner has opted for a different challenge, joining Oakley Capital as an advisor focused on identifying and developing investment opportunities within the sports sector.
The move marks Horner’s first significant professional appointment since leaving Red Bull and signals a temporary shift away from frontline motorsport management.
New challenge in the sports investment world
Oakley Capital has built a strong reputation for investing in founder-led and high-growth businesses, with a growing interest in sports-related assets. Horner’s extensive experience leading one of Formula 1’s most successful organisations is expected to provide valuable insight as the firm seeks new opportunities in an increasingly competitive market.
Peter Dubens, Founder and Managing Partner of Oakley Capital, welcomed the appointment and highlighted Horner’s proven leadership credentials.
> “Christian Horner is widely recognised as a highly successful leader in global sport. His track record, expertise and commercial instinct will be invaluable as we continue to scale our sports portfolio.”
Dubens added that Oakley is particularly interested in sports businesses with strong growth potential and under-commercialised assets capable of generating significant long-term value.
Horner: Sports industry entering an exciting era
Speaking about his new role, Horner expressed enthusiasm about working with Oakley and helping develop the next generation of sports businesses.
He pointed to growing participation rates and expanding global audiences across sport as key drivers behind increasing investment opportunities.
“Sports businesses are benefitting from growing global audiences and participation rates as more people embrace healthier, active lifestyles.”
Horner also revealed that he has known and respected Dubens and the Oakley team for many years, praising their track record of building ambitious businesses.
> “Oakley Capital has established a strong reputation across the sports and consumer landscape and I look forward to working together in the future and sharing my experience to help support the next generation of standout sports businesses.”
Formula 1 return still possible?
While Horner’s appointment suggests he is embracing opportunities beyond Formula 1, it is unlikely to completely end speculation about a future paddock return.
Few figures in modern F1 possess a résumé as impressive as Horner’s. During his tenure at Red Bull, he oversaw multiple championship-winning eras featuring Sebastian Vettel and later Max Verstappen, helping transform the Milton Keynes-based outfit into one of the sport’s dominant forces.
For now, however, Horner’s focus appears firmly fixed on the business side of sport. His move to Oakley Capital offers a fresh challenge and an opportunity to apply the leadership, commercial acumen and competitive instincts that made him one of Formula 1’s most influential figures.