Mercedes Eyes Major Stake in Alpine F1 Team: A Game-Changer in Motorsport?
In a stunning twist that could reshape the Formula 1 landscape, Mercedes is reportedly making serious moves to acquire a minority stake in Alpine's F1 team. Flavio Briatore, the infamous former team principal of Renault, has confirmed that the Silver Arrows are in the mix to purchase a 24% share currently held by Otro Capital, a US-based investment firm backed by high-profile athletes like Rory McIlroy, Anthony Joshua, and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
As the current majority owners, the Renault Group holds a commanding 76% stake in the Alpine team, but with Otro contemplating the sale of its shares, the stakes have never been higher. This revelation comes on the heels of speculation about various interested parties, including a consortium featuring Christian Horner, former team principal of Red Bull Racing.
At the Chinese Grand Prix, Briatore shed light on the ongoing negotiations, stating, “Every day is a new situation. I don't know what is the latest one, but what I say is that I know it's a negotiation with Mercedes, not with Toto [Wolff, personally], with Mercedes, and we see.” This cryptic remark hints at the seriousness of Mercedes' interest, with Briatore acknowledging that “in this moment we have three or four potential buyers.”
The urgency of the situation is palpable, as Otro seeks to offload its 24% stake, which it acquired just last June. Briatore emphasized that this deal involves the shares owned by the American hedge fund and is separate from Alpine's operational management.
Mercedes has confirmed its role as a “key strategic partner” of Alpine, with a spokesperson stating, “We are being kept apprised of the latest developments.” This raises critical questions about the implications of Mercedes owning stakes in two competing teams. Currently, the ownership of Mercedes’ own F1 team is split among multiple stakeholders, including Mercedes-Benz and Ineos, each holding a third, while Toto Wolff recently sold a portion of his stake to American billionaire George Kurtz.
The prospect of Mercedes holding shares in both Alpine and its own team has sparked a heated debate. Briatore warned, “Normally one company, 75% decides, and the 25% is a passenger, and this is the reality.” This sentiment echoes the concerns that the dynamics within the sport could shift dramatically, especially as Red Bull has been a pioneer in team ownership strategies over the past decade.
Audi team principal Jonathan Wheatley weighed in on the potential conflict of interest, stating, “The sport has very, very clear governance. I don't see any conflict of interest or concerns on our side at all.” He added with a touch of humor, “To be honest, I’m just watching it, eating the popcorn and enjoying the show!”
As the F1 world tunes into the Chinese Grand Prix, the unfolding saga of Mercedes and Alpine promises to be as thrilling as the race itself. Will this partnership herald a new era in Formula 1, or will it complicate the competitive landscape? One thing is for sure: the motorsport community is watching closely, and the stakes have never been higher.








