Bernie Ecclestone has dismissed speculation about a potential partnership with former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner to acquire a stake in Alpine, suggesting that Lewis Hamilton’s chances of securing an eighth Formula 1 drivers‘ championship are more plausible than the rumored Alpine alliance. Speaking ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, the ex-F1 chief indicated that the possibility of Hamilton winning another title is more likely than a business collaboration involving Horner and Alpine.

Christian Horner’s unexpected departure from Red Bull sparked widespread speculation about his next move within Formula 1. Among the rumors circulating was that the 51-year-old manager could re-establish his presence in the paddock by joining forces with Alpine, a team known for its frequent changes in leadership over recent years.

Alpine has experienced considerable instability in team management, having had four different team principals in five years. Despite the team officially denying any imminent sale or ownership change, whispers in the paddock hinted at a possible equity purchase by Horner and Ecclestone. However, the 94-year-old Ecclestone unequivocally ruled out this scenario by stating:

“I think more chance of Lewis [Hamilton] winning his eighth title than that happening.”

Ecclestone’s skepticism about Hamilton’s future in Formula 1 is not new. Earlier this year, he questioned the implications of Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, a historic team currently struggling to reclaim its championship status.

Hamilton’s challenge: Reviving Ferrari’s championship legacy

Ferrari’s last constructors‘ championship win dates back to 2008, the same year Lewis Hamilton claimed his first drivers‘ title with McLaren. Since then, Hamilton has added six more championships to his record, while Ferrari has been absent from the top spot in both drivers’ and constructors’ championships. Despite numerous attempts by former champions such as Kimi Räikkönen, Fernando Alonso, and Sebastian Vettel to end the drought, Ferrari has come close without sealing the deal throughout the 2010s.

Hamilton, now driving for Ferrari, is determined to reshape the team’s fortunes. Reflecting on Ferrari’s previous superstar drivers and their inability to secure titles, he expressed a resolve which sets him apart:

“If you look at the team over the last 20 years, they’ve had amazing drivers. They had Kimi [Raikkonen], they had Fernando [Alonso], they had Sebastian [Vettel], all World Champions; however, they didn’t win a World Champion[ship], and for me, I refuse for that to be the case, so I’m going the extra mile.”

“Obviously I’m very fortunate to have had experiences in two other great teams, and whilst things are for sure going to be different because there’s a different culture and everything, I think sometimes if you take the same path all the time you get the same results, so I’m just challenging certain things.”

These statements reveal Hamilton’s willingness to adapt and innovate within Ferrari’s environment as he strives to end the team’s long title drought and add to his own historic tally.

Current season standing and Hamilton’s pursuit of further titles

After thirteen rounds of this Formula 1 season, Hamilton currently sits sixth in the drivers‘ standings with 109 points. While his position is steady, the road to an eighth title is uncertain and challenging, especially as Ferrari continues to rebuild and overcome competitive gaps.

Ecclestone’s comment, which emphasizes the unlikelihood of a Horner-Alpine partnership, sheds light on the unpredictability surrounding Formula 1’s business and competitive landscape. Meanwhile, Hamilton’s ambitions remain a key storyline in the ongoing season, as he attempts to defy doubts and steer Ferrari back to championship success.