Flavio Briatore Shakes Up Alpine Negotiations: Mercedes Takes the Lead, Not Toto Wolff!
In a stunning twist in the world of Formula 1, Flavio Briatore has revealed that the ongoing negotiations regarding the sale of Otro Capital's stake in Alpine are firmly in the hands of Mercedes, and not with the team's co-owner, Toto Wolff. This revelation comes amidst swirling reports that Wolff is among several bidders vying for the coveted 24% stake currently held by the American investment consortium, Otro Capital.
Briatore, the Alpine team principal and a heavyweight figure in F1, insists that any dialogue surrounding the sale is strictly with Mercedes itself, emphasizing, “Every day it’s a new situation. But what I want to say, I know it’s a negotiation from Mercedes, not with Toto, with Mercedes, and we see.” This declaration not only casts a shadow over Wolff's intentions but raises questions about the future direction of Alpine, a team that has become a significant player in the sport.
Otro Capital, which made headlines three years ago by acquiring its stake for a staggering €200 million, is now looking to cash in. High-profile investors in the consortium include Hollywood superstar Ryan Reynolds and golfing legend Rory McIlroy. However, the clock is ticking as the investment group seeks to sell its share and maximize its returns.
As speculations mount, several high-profile figures, including former rival Christian Horner, are reportedly in the mix as potential buyers. While Horner's interest in returning to the paddock has been well-documented, Wolff's bid has taken many by surprise. The Austrian, who recently sold a 5% stake in Mercedes to CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz, is believed to have submitted a bid in the past few weeks. But Briatore remains adamant that discussions are not taking place with Wolff directly.
When asked if he himself would consider purchasing the stake, Briatore was quick to dismiss the idea, stating emphatically, “No, no, no. Just looking at what’s going on, and just watching what’s going on.” His focus is clear—monitoring the unfolding drama without becoming embroiled in the bidding war.
The stakes are high as Alpine has recently transitioned to become a Mercedes customer team, shedding its former Renault engine program. With this strategic shift, the team is now utilizing Mercedes power units and gearboxes, further intertwining their futures.
In response to inquiries about Wolff's involvement, a Mercedes spokesperson confirmed, “Mercedes is a key strategic partner of Alpine, and we are being kept apprised of the latest developments.” Meanwhile, Alpine remains tight-lipped about the identity of potential bidders, stating, “The team is regularly approached and contacted by multiple parties and potential investors. We do not comment on any specific names or individuals in question.”
As the new racing season looms, the pressure is on Alpine to maintain performance on the track while navigating the turbulent waters of corporate negotiations. With multiple parties expressing interest and the landscape changing daily, the F1 paddock is bracing for what could be a seismic shift in team ownership.
Stay tuned as we continue to bring you the latest updates from the F1 world. Will Mercedes solidify its influence in Alpine, or will unexpected twists reshape the future of this iconic team? Join our broadcast channel for real-time updates and insights straight from the heart of Formula 1!
