Otros Capital’s 24% stake in Alpine’s Formula 1 team is currently a hot topic in the paddock, drawing interest from various parties. Christian Horner, former Red Bull team boss, and Toto Wolff, Mercedes team principal, are among those eyeing the stake. While Flavio Briatore, Alpine’s executive advisor, has openly acknowledged Horner’s interest, Wolff’s involvement was first reported by The Telegraph around the season opener in Melbourne.
Alpine has neither confirmed nor denied specific names but has emphasized that there are multiple interested parties, and the process is ongoing. The team’s spokesperson stated that discussions regarding the stake are between current stakeholders and interested parties, with the primary focus being the upcoming racing season and performance improvement on track.
For Horner, owning shares in Alpine could be a gateway back to F1 in a more senior role. As for Mercedes, the interest extends beyond personal rivalries, with Alpine being a customer team of Mercedes High Performance Powertrains. The relationship is crucial, considering Alpine now uses power units and gearboxes from Mercedes after discontinuing its F1 power unit project.
Apart from the commercial and strategic appeal of acquiring shares in Alpine, there is also a sporting perspective to consider. The move could enhance the synergy between Mercedes and Alpine, impacting their collaboration in F1. Despite potential ownership changes, the Renault Group would still maintain a significant controlling stake in the team.
Overall, the race for Alpine’s stake reflects broader strategic interests in F1 and could reshape alliances among teams. As the story unfolds, other F1 teams are closely monitoring developments to gauge the implications on the grid. The outcome of this pursuit could potentially redefine team dynamics and partnerships in the sport.
