Toto Wolff eyes Alpine stake, setting up clash with rival Christian Horner

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff is reportedly considering a bid for a stake in the Alpine F1 team, potentially putting him in direct competition with his old rival, former Red Bull boss Christian Horner, who is also linked to the investment group. The move centers on a 24% shareholding in Alpine currently held by a consortium of celebrity investors, with Renault retaining majority control.

Why it matters:

This potential corporate power play reignites one of Formula 1's most famous modern rivalries off the track. A successful bid by either Wolff or Horner would grant significant influence within a historic constructor and could reshape the team's future direction and competitiveness, adding a new layer of intrigue to the F1 landscape.

The details:

• The available 24% stake is held by a group led by Otro Capital and includes high-profile investors like actors Ryan Reynolds and Michael B. Jordan, and NFL stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.
• Alpine team advisor Flavio Briatore confirmed in January that multiple parties were interested, naming Christian Horner as being in "negotiating" with the Otro group.
• Horner, who left Red Bull in July 2023 after 20 years, has been linked with a return to F1, with Alpine being the most prominent possibility.
• Mercedes already has a technical partnership with Alpine as their power unit supplier, which could provide strategic leverage in any deal.
• A Mercedes F1 spokesperson did not deny the interest, stating the company is "being kept apprised of the latest developments" as a key partner.

What's next:

The situation remains fluid, with Alpine's official stance being to not comment on specific individuals and to focus on the upcoming racing season. However, the involvement of two of F1's biggest personalities ensures this ownership saga will be closely watched. Any deal could significantly impact Alpine's technical and managerial trajectory, depending on which rival's vision prevails.