Mercedes eyes Alpine stake as F1 ownership talks heat up

Mercedes linked to minority Alpine investment

Mercedes is in talks to acquire a minority stake connected to Alpine’s Formula One team, according to comments from Alpine executive adviser Flavio Briatore reported by Motorsport.

Briatore said the negotiations involve a share owned by investment firm Otro Capital rather than Renault’s controlling interest in the team. Renault remains the majority owner of Alpine’s F1 operation.

“Every day is a new situation. But what I want to say, I know it's the negotiation from Mercedes, not with Toto, with Mercedes, and we'll see.”

According to Motorsport, Briatore indicated that Mercedes is negotiating directly as a company rather than through Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff.

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Otro Capital is part of a group of investors that purchased a minority stake in Alpine’s Formula One team in 2023. The investment valued the team at roughly €900 million at the time and included several U.S. based investors.

Multiple buyers reportedly interested

Briatore also suggested that Mercedes is not the only party interested in the stake.

“In this moment, we have three or four potential buyers, don't forget, we're talking about the Otro share, nothing to do with Alpine. There are a few candidates ready to do the deal.”

He said he personally has no intention of buying the shares and is only observing the situation as discussions continue.

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“No, no, no. I'm just looking what's going on and just watching what's going on. We have no communication with Otro in this moment. So if somebody buys the share, we are very happy.”

According to Motorsport, Briatore emphasized that the stake under discussion represents about 24 percent and would not give Mercedes any controlling influence over the team’s direction.

Why the stake may not change Alpine’s control

Briatore suggested that a minority position would limit any potential influence from Mercedes within the team or in Formula One’s governance structure.

“I think so. Red Bull has been a pioneer already in the last 10 years or 15 years , having two teams in F1. And like I tell you, Mercedes is looking to buy Otro’s 24%. Normally in one company, 75% decide and 25% is the passenger. And this is what is the reality.”

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In Formula One, teams often operate with complex ownership structures that include outside investors. Alpine’s racing team is still controlled by French car manufacturer Renault, which oversees the team’s management and strategic decisions.

Rivals downplay potential conflict concerns

Some figures in the paddock appear relaxed about the possibility of Mercedes holding a minority stake connected to another team.

Audi team principal Jonathan Wheatley said he had no concerns when asked about the scenario.

“I'm very happy.”

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Briatore also dismissed suggestions that such a deal could create conflicts of interest within the sport’s governance.

“Great, this is fantastic. The sport has very, very clear governance. I don't see any conflict of interest or concerns on our side at all, to be honest. Just watching it, eating the popcorn and enjoying the show.”

“Make sure it’s hot popcorn.”

What a potential deal could mean for Formula One

If completed, the move would mark an unusual cross connection between two major Formula One organizations. Mercedes currently operates one of the sport’s most successful teams, while Alpine competes as Renault’s factory entry.

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However, the potential investment would involve only a minority financial stake rather than operational control. Similar multi team relationships already exist in Formula One, most notably Red Bull’s ownership structure with its sister team Racing Bulls.

According to Motorsport, discussions over the Otro Capital stake are ongoing and several potential buyers remain in the picture.

Sources: Motorsport