Christian Horner F1 return under threat from FSG

Cadillac's F1 operation is reportedly up for sale before the end of its first year in the sport, causing some unexpected waves.

Reports began to surface this week, including from Sportico, that Mark Walter's TWG Global have been exploring a stunning sale already, asking for something in the region of $3bn for the American team.

Walter's TWG Global group has already agreed sales in recent months for the Los Angeles Lakers (for around $12.5bn) and its stake in Chelsea FC (for around $675m), and is looking to sell the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks, as a federal investigation continues regarding alleged fraud in Walter's insurance businesses.

Christian Horner has notably been sniffing around for a team with which to re-enter F1 after being sacked by Red Bull last summer, wanting an ownership stake wherever he goes next.

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Potential Horner F1 return carries complications

However, the list of destinations for the long-time Red Bull man has not been as long as he'd have hoped. In fact, it's been looking almost non-existent, with team owners reluctant to give up parts of their ever-more lucrative investments.

Cadillac sounding out potential buyers does present an interesting opportunity for Horner and his financial backers to get into the game, but reports are already surfacing that they'll have serious competition if they do go hunting for a piece of the team.

The Guardian report that Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) are among those interested in adding the F1 team to their portfolio, which also includes the Boston Red Sox, Pittsburgh Pirates, and half of NASCAR team RFK Racing.

FSG did sell 38 per cent of Liverpool FC this summer to a Jeff Bezos-led consortium, who have the option to take over the club fully by next August. That option, with the club valued at around $7.4bn, would free up the financial capital to complete a Cadillac buyout even if the group don't already have the wherewithal to make the purchase.

Of course, it's entirely possible that FSG (or another potential buyer) could go in and purchase a majority share, but work with Horner and co. to make the former Red Bull chief a minority owner in the team.

Fans, and Cadillac employees, will be hoping that more clarity is provided soon. For their part, Cadillac declined to comment when contacted by GPFans about the rumours.

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