Toto Wolff Emerges as Rival Bidder for Alpine Stake Against Christian Horner

A surprise bid from Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has reportedly entered the fray for a 24% stake in the Alpine F1 team, setting up a potential ownership battle with former Red Bull boss Christian Horner. The stake, currently held by investment group Otro Capital, is attracting significant interest as F1's commercial boom drives team valuations to new heights, with Alpine now estimated to be worth around £2.5 billion.

Why it matters:

This contest highlights the intense appeal of F1 team ownership as a strategic asset, far beyond the racetrack. For Horner, it represents a potential pathway back into the sport in an ownership capacity, while for Wolff, it could deepen Mercedes' existing technical partnership with Alpine and secure a personal financial stake in the series' growth. The outcome could subtly shift power dynamics within the paddock.

The details:

• The available 24% minority stake was purchased by Otro Capital in 2023 for approximately €200 million but is now valued at roughly £600 million due to soaring F1 valuations.
• Christian Horner was previously confirmed to be part of a consortium exploring the acquisition, seeking an ownership role following his 2025 departure from Red Bull.
• Toto Wolff's reported interest is linked to the existing technical partnership between Mercedes and Alpine, which began in 2026 when Alpine became a Mercedes power unit and gearbox customer.
• A Mercedes spokesperson acknowledged the strategic partnership, stating the team is "being kept apprised of the latest developments."
• Renault, which retains a controlling 76% stake in the team, holds final approval authority over any sale of the minority shareholding.

What's next:

The bidding process is ongoing, with Alpine confirming multiple interested parties but declining to comment on specific individuals. All discussions are currently between Otro Capital and the potential investors. The final decision rests with Renault, which will weigh the strategic and financial merits of each bidder against its long-term vision for the Alpine brand in Formula 1. While the team's management insists its primary focus remains on-track performance, the ownership situation adds a significant backdrop to its 2026 season.