Alpine F1 Stake: Wolff and Horner in Battle for Control
The future of Alpine F1 is hanging in the balance as two motorsport giants, Toto Wolff of Mercedes and Christian Horner, formerly of Red Bull Racing, vie for a 24% stake held by Otro Capital. This isn’t simply a clash of personalities; it’s a strategic power play with potentially significant ramifications for the entire Formula 1 landscape.
Horner’s Return: A Latest Chapter?
Christian Horner, after departing Red Bull in July 2025, is exploring a return to F1 not as a team principal, but as an investor. Flavio Briatore, Alpine’s executive advisor, publicly confirmed Horner’s interest in the Otro Capital stake back in January. This move suggests Horner is seeking a “more senior role” within the sport, potentially leveraging his extensive experience and network.
Mercedes’ Surprise Bid: A Strategic Move
Adding a twist to the narrative, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has now entered the fray. This interest, first reported by The Telegraph, goes beyond a simple rivalry with Horner. Mercedes already has a close relationship with Alpine, supplying both power units and gearboxes until at least 2030, following Alpine’s decision to finish its Renault power unit operation. Acquiring a stake would deepen that partnership and offer greater strategic control.
Why is the Alpine Stake So Attractive?
The appeal of the 24% stake lies in several factors. Firstly, the valuation of F1 teams is rapidly increasing, making it a potentially lucrative investment. Secondly, Alpine’s recent switch to Mercedes power for 2026, coupled with a focus on a completely new car build under sweeping new regulations, presents a promising opportunity for growth. The team finished last in the 2025 Teams’ Championship but prioritized development of the 2026 car.
Renault’s Continued Control
Despite the interest from both Horner and Wolff, Renault Group remains the majority shareholder with a 76% stake. This ensures that Renault will retain control of the team, even with a change in ownership of the remaining 24%.
Implications for F1
The potential for multi-team ownership is raising eyebrows within the paddock. McLaren CEO Zak Brown has previously voiced concerns about the potential conflicts of interest arising from Red Bull’s ownership of multiple teams. A similar situation with Mercedes and Alpine could reignite that debate. However, the current regulations allow for such arrangements, as long as certain conditions are met.
FAQ
Q: Who currently owns Alpine F1?
Renault Group owns 76% of Alpine F1, with Otro Capital holding the remaining 24%.
Q: Why are Christian Horner and Toto Wolff interested in Alpine?
Horner sees it as a potential route back into F1 in a senior role, whereas Wolff views it as a strategic investment given Mercedes’ existing partnership with Alpine.
Q: Will Renault lose control of Alpine?
No, Renault Group will retain a majority 76% stake, ensuring they remain in control.
Q: What is Otro Capital’s role in this situation?
Otro Capital currently holds a 24% stake in Alpine and is considering selling it to either Horner’s consortium or Mercedes.
Did you know? Alpine sold a 24% stake to Otro Capital in 2023, which included investors like Ryan Reynolds and Rory McIlroy.
Pro Tip: Preserve an eye on the developments surrounding the new chassis and power unit regulations for 2026, as these will significantly impact the value and potential of Alpine F1.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops. What are your thoughts on this potential shake-up in F1 ownership? Share your opinions in the comments below!
