Horner and Wolff in Alpine Stake Battle

A 24% stake in the Alpine Formula 1 team, held by Otro Capital, has become a focal point of strategic interest in the paddock, with former Red Bull boss Christian Horner and Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff both reportedly among the potential suitors. This move goes beyond personal rivalry and highlights the commercial and strategic value of F1 assets as teams position themselves for the future regulatory landscape.

Why it matters:

The interest from two of F1's most prominent figures underscores the sport's booming commercial appeal and the strategic importance of ownership links. Who ultimately acquires the stake could influence Alpine's future direction and its relationship with power unit supplier Mercedes, potentially creating new alliances or strengthening existing ones within the competitive grid.

The details:

• Alpine executive advisor Flavio Briatore publicly confirmed Christian Horner's interest earlier this year, noting there were several other interested parties.
• Reports around the Australian Grand Prix revealed Toto Wolff and Mercedes have also entered the fray, with Mercedes stating it is "kept apprised of the latest developments" as a strategic partner.
• For Horner, acquiring a stake aligns with his stated ambition to return to F1 in a "more senior role" beyond a team principal position.
• For Mercedes, the interest is strategic: Alpine is a customer team using Mercedes power units and gearboxes until 2030, so the identity of its part-owner is directly relevant.
• The Renault Group would retain a controlling 76% stake regardless of the Otro Capital share sale.

The big picture:

This potential investment occurs against a backdrop of scrutiny over team ownership structures in F1, as highlighted by McLaren CEO Zak Brown's comments last year. While different from a full sister-team setup, a strategic share purchase could deepen technical and operational synergies. The interest from top figures also signals confidence in F1's financial growth, even as teams prepare for the unknowns of the 2026 regulations.

What's next:

Alpine has stated the process is ongoing and refrains from commenting on specific names, focusing instead on its on-track performance recovery. The outcome will be closely watched by other teams, as it could subtly shift the strategic landscape. A resolution is expected to provide clarity on Alpine's ownership structure and its long-term partnerships within the sport.