Mercedes Eyes a Major Stake in Alpine F1 Team: A Game-Changing Move?
In a stunning revelation that could reshape the landscape of Formula 1, Flavio Briatore has confirmed that the Mercedes Formula 1 team is actively pursuing a significant investment in the Alpine outfit. This news sent shockwaves through the paddock during a press conference held at the Chinese Grand Prix, where Briatore unveiled the intentions of the German automotive giant.
According to Briatore, Mercedes is looking to acquire a hefty 24% stake in the Enstone-based Alpine team, a share currently held by Otro Capital. This investment group is no ordinary collection of shareholders; it features notable figures such as Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, alongside golf superstar Rory McIlroy. Just last year, Otro paid a staggering $233 million for these shares, but with the astronomical rise in the value of F1 teams—now pegged at a jaw-dropping $3 billion—the price tag for this transaction is likely to skyrocket.
“Every day is a new situation,” Briatore remarked, emphasizing the fluidity of the negotiations. He clarified that the discussions are not merely with Toto Wolff, Mercedes’ team principal, but rather with the broader organization itself. “We have three or four potential buyers,” Briatore added, hinting at a competitive race for the shares. Notably, former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner is among those circling the deal like vultures.
When questioned whether he had any personal interest in the shares, Briatore dismissed the idea, stating, “No, no, no. I'm just looking at what's going on.” As it stands, he confirmed that there has been no communication with Otro Capital regarding the sale. “If somebody buys the share, we are very happy,” he stated, leaving the door open for potential future developments.
This potential acquisition comes on the heels of Alpine's recent switch to a Mercedes engine supply for the 2026 season, an essential move that Briatore insisted upon as a condition for his return as an advisor and de facto team boss. The stakes are high, and with Mercedes gaining a foothold in Alpine, questions arise about the influence they could wield in team operations and F1 Commission decisions.
Briatore expressed optimism that Mercedes would not dominate Alpine’s internal operations, saying, “I think so. Red Bull has been a pioneer already in the last 10 years or 15 years with two teams in F1.” He highlighted the dynamics of power within corporate structures, where typically, 75% of stakeholders dictate the direction, leaving the remaining 25% as passive participants.
Meanwhile, Audi team principal Jonathan Wheatley reacted positively to the impending deal, expressing, “I'm very happy. Great, this is fantastic.” He assured that the governance of the sport is robust enough to handle such developments without conflict. “I don't see any conflict of interest or concerns on our side at all,” he stated, suggesting a calm acceptance of the shifting sands in F1.
As the drama unfolds, Briatore humorously quipped about enjoying the spectacle, saying, “Just watching it, eating the popcorn and enjoying the show.” With so many potential outcomes, fans and stakeholders alike are left on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this high-stakes game of F1 poker. Will Mercedes emerge as a dominant force within Alpine, or will this investment mark a new era of collaboration and competition in the fast-paced world of Formula 1? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain—this story is far from over.
