Briatore Confirms Mercedes Interest in Alpine Stake

Flavio Briatore has confirmed that Mercedes is among several parties interested in acquiring the 24% minority stake in the Alpine F1 Team currently held by investment group Otro Capital. The potential deal highlights the soaring valuations in Formula 1 and could deepen the existing technical partnership between the two teams as Alpine prepares to switch to Mercedes power units in 2026.

Why it matters:

A major manufacturer like Mercedes taking a financial stake in a rival team represents a significant shift in F1's commercial landscape. While a minority share wouldn't grant control, it underscores the immense value teams now hold and could influence long-term strategic alliances within the sport's complex political and technical ecosystem.

The details:

• The stake in question is the 24% share purchased in 2023 by Otro Capital, a consortium backed by celebrities including Ryan Reynolds and Rory McIlroy, for approximately $233 million.
• Due to F1's explosive commercial growth, Alpine's valuation is now estimated to be significantly higher, meaning any new buyer would pay a premium for the same stake.
• Briatore stated that three or four potential buyers are currently in the mix, with Mercedes confirmed as one interested party negotiating directly with the manufacturer, not just Team Principal Toto Wolff.
• Other reported interested parties include former Red Bull boss Christian Horner, indicating high-profile interest in the opportunity.
• Briatore clarified that Alpine's management is not currently in direct talks with Otro and is merely observing the process, with no intention of bidding themselves.

The big picture:

This potential investment comes as Alpine is already strengthening its ties with Mercedes for the 2026 season, having abandoned its own engine program to become a customer team. Briatore dismissed concerns about undue influence, comparing a potential 24% stake to Red Bull's long-standing two-team model and noting that minority shareholders are typically "passengers" without controlling votes. The sport's governance, as noted by rival team bosses, is designed to prevent conflicts of interest, leaving many in the paddock to watch the business maneuvering with detached amusement.

What's next:

Negotiations for Otro Capital's stake are ongoing, with no deal finalized. If Mercedes proceeds, it would mark a notable expansion of its F1 portfolio beyond its works team. The outcome will be a key indicator of how team valuations are stabilizing in the post-Liberty Media era and whether closer technical partnerships will evolve into more formal financial alliances between competitors.