Ex-F1 team chief Horner joins GB1 investor in advisory role

Christian Horner, the former team principal of the Red Bull Formula 1 team, has joined the private equity investor behind Sir Ben Ainslie’s GB1 America’s Cup team.

The deal with Oakley Capital opens up the possibility of Horner, who has a high profile in the wake of his 20-plus years at Red Bull, taking an active involvement in the 38th America’s Cup, which GB1 is gearing up for at the Preliminary Regatta in Sardinia this weekend.

Horner – who led Red Bull to eight drivers’ world championships, six constructors’ titles and 124 grand prix wins between 2005 and 2025 – has joined Oakley “as an advisor on premium sports”, according to a company statement. It marks Horner’s first professional role outside of motor racing.

“Sports businesses are benefitting from growing global audiences and participation rates as more people embrace healthier, active lifestyles,” said Horner in Oakley’s statement. 

“I have known and respected Peter and the Oakley team for many years and have always admired their approach to building ambitious, founder-led 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.”

Oakley’s existing investments in sport are led by Athena Racing (aka GB1), and the North Sails marine action sports business. They are also involved with NOX – a producer of padel rackets – and digital golf brand Vice Golf. 

The announcement marks Horner’s first professional commitment since he left Red Bull and F1 last summer, in the wake of well-publicised allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards a female colleague. Horner was cleared by an internal review, although he might still face an employment action in the UK courts.

His only other public connection to sailing was when he welcomed Alinghi when the Swiss America's Cup team partnered up with Red Bull in 2021. 

“Christian Horner is widely recognised as a highly successful leader in global sport,” said Oakley founder and managing partner Peter Dubens. “His track record, expertise and commercial instinct will be invaluable as we continue to scale our sports portfolio.”

Horner continues to be linked with a return to F1, via another team. The most recent speculation has suggested a role with Chinese automotive giant BYD, if the emerging force in global car manufacturer should make a bid to enter F1. It seems unlikely that an advisory role at a private equity firm will silence such speculation.

Meanwhile, Sir Ben Ainslie has spoken publicly about the court case that hovers over Athena Racing/GB1 and which has been brought about by former partner and Ineos founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Ineos is claiming ownership of the AC75 and other assets connected to the newly-named GB1 project, following the high-profile split between Ratcliffe’s company and Athena last year.

In an interview with The Times, Ainslie admitted that were Ratcliffe to win the case, Athena’s AC38 bid would be left high and dry. “I think it’s pretty unlikely,” he added. “That’s what I’ve been told.

“We’re obviously focused on what we’re doing, running the team trying to win the America’s Cup, but it is a distraction. One of my jobs, if not my key role for this cup, is making sure that doesn’t affect the rest of the team. So I manage that with our legal advisers.”

He also admitted the case does feel “personal”. “Not from my side. I’ve always been grateful for Jim’s support and I stand by that. I’m not going to slag the guy off. But if he feels differently, then I can’t really do that much about that other than defend my position.

“Honestly, it doesn’t make much sense, but it is what it is. What can I say? It is unfortunate, it’s disappointing.”

Ainslie is still listed as a sailor for GB1, but he confirmed it is not his intention to race in Naples next year.