Christian Horner joins Oakley Capital advisory

Christian Horner said on May 21 that he was working with private equity firm Oakley Capital as an adviser on investments in premium sports businesses, giving the former Red Bull Formula One team principal a new role outside the paddock. Oakley said Horner would advise on deals in premium sports and related businesses globally. The move was disclosed less than a year after Red Bull dismissed Horner in July 2025, ending a two-decade run in which he led the team through multiple Formula One titles. ### What exactly is Horner doing for Oakley? Oakley said on May 21 that Horner would advise the firm on investments in “premium sports,” a remit that Reuters reported would cover sports and related businesses globally. Horner said in a statement that Oakley had “established a strong reputation across the sports and consumer landscape” and that he looked forward to “sharing my experience to help support the next generation of standout sports businesses.” (straitstimes.com) Reuters reported that Horner, 52, had been sacked by Red Bull last July and remained widely expected in motorsport circles to return to Formula One in some form. The Oakley role, as described by the firm, is advisory rather than an operating job at a team or league. ### What kind of investor is Oakley Capital? (devdiscourse.com) Oakley Capital describes itself as a pan-European private equity investor that backs businesses across technology, consumer, education and business services. The firm’s website says Oakley Capital Limited is authorized and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority, and lists its registered office in London. Oakley’s recent fundraising gives a sense of its scale. (devdiscourse.com) The firm said in a 2025 newsletter that it had raised 4.5 billion euros for Fund VI, hitting its hard cap six months after launching the fundraise in September 2024. ### What does Oakley already own in sports? Oakley has already been building a sports portfolio. In a 2025 release, the firm said it invested in Sir Ben Ainslie’s Athena Racing, the British America’s Cup team, calling it a bet on the “growth potential of premium sports properties.” Oakley said that investment was intended to help Athena pursue longer-term sponsorships, research and development spending, talent acquisition and audience growth. (oakleycapital.com 1) (oakleycapital.com 2) NOX is another example. Oakley said this month that Oakley Origin Fund II was investing in the Barcelona-based padel equipment brand, which sells more than 400,000 rackets a year across more than 80 countries and accounts for 11% of global sales. Oakley said the sport of padel was growing at an estimated 25% a year and that it would work with NOX on international expansion, including in the United States and Asia. (oakleycapital.com) ### Why does Horner fit that brief? Horner’s background is in running a high-profile global sports property rather than in private equity. City AM reported that he has a long-standing relationship with Oakley founder Peter Dubens. Horner said in the Oakley statement that he had known and respected Dubens and the Oakley team for many years. (oakleycapital.com) Reuters framed the appointment as a move that keeps Horner connected to the business side of elite sport after his Red Bull exit. Oakley’s existing sports holdings — including sailing and padel — also suggest the firm is looking beyond traditional team ownership toward brands, leagues and adjacent premium sports assets. That is an inference from Oakley’s disclosed investments and statements about audience growth and participation. (cityam.com) ### What comes next? Oakley’s website now lists “Christian Horner to advise Oakley Capital on Sports Investments” among its current news items. The firm’s most recent public sports announcements include its Athena Racing investment and its NOX deal, both of which outline the kinds of properties Horner is likely to help assess as Oakley looks for further opportunities. (oakleycapital.com) (devdiscourse.com)