Alpine F1 team boss says Mercedes is interested in buying a stake in his team

Mercedes Among Several Potential Buyers for Minority Stake in Alpine F1 Team, Briatore Says

Formula 1’s competitive landscape could see a significant shift as Mercedes has emerged as one of “three or four potential buyers” for a 24% stake in rival team Alpine, according to Flavio Briatore, Alpine’s executive adviser.

Speaking ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix, Briatore clarified that the German automotive giant—not Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff personally—is engaged in negotiations for the minority share currently held by private equity firm Otro Capital.

“Every day is a new situation. I don’t know what is the latest one, but what I say is that I know it’s a negotiation with Mercedes, not with Toto, with Mercedes, and we see,” said Briatore, who has effectively served as Alpine’s team boss since 2023.

When questioned about potential conflicts of interest—Mercedes already supplies engines to Alpine—Briatore downplayed concerns about undue influence over team operations or voting rights on future regulations. “Normally one company, 75% decide and the 25% is a passenger, and this is the reality,” he stated, suggesting any minority shareholder would have limited decision-making power.

Mercedes offered a measured response when approached for comment, neither confirming nor denying the talks. “Mercedes is a key strategic partner of Alpine and we are being kept apprised of the latest developments,” the team said in a statement.

The stake in question was sold by Renault, Alpine’s parent company, to a consortium led by Otro Capital last year. Otro attracted significant attention by incorporating high-profile investors including NFL stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, along with actor Ryan Reynolds, into its investment group.

Mercedes isn’t the only major Formula 1 figure interested in acquiring the stake. Former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner was also mentioned last month as among the interested parties, highlighting the growing value and investment appeal of Formula 1 teams in the sport’s current boom period.

The potential investment comes during a challenging period for Alpine. The team finished last in the constructors’ championship in 2023, and has struggled to make significant progress in 2024. Pierre Gasly’s 10th-place finish at the Australian Grand Prix earlier this season marked the team’s first championship point, but Briatore expressed dissatisfaction with their current trajectory.

“We are not happy at all. Our performance was very weak and was a combination of different factors, and we know what is the major problem we have in the car,” he admitted, suggesting fundamental issues need addressing as Formula 1 approaches its next regulatory overhaul.

The interest from Mercedes reflects the continuing consolidation and cross-investment within Formula 1, where technical partnerships and financial investments increasingly blur traditional team boundaries. As a constructor and engine supplier, Mercedes already maintains significant influence in the sport, and any stake in Alpine would further extend their footprint.

Industry analysts note that such investments have become more common as Formula 1’s commercial success has grown under Liberty Media’s ownership. The sport’s expanding global audience, increased commercial revenues, and the implementation of cost caps have made teams more financially viable and attractive to investors.

For Alpine, external investment could provide additional resources to address their performance issues as they prepare for upcoming regulatory changes. The French team, which races under Alpine branding but operates as part of Renault’s Formula 1 program, has struggled to match the development pace of top teams despite their manufacturer backing.

As negotiations continue, the outcome could influence not just Alpine’s future but potentially the broader competitive and political balance within Formula 1.