Briatore confirms Mercedes interest in Alpine stake

Flavio Briatore has confirmed that Mercedes is among several parties interested in buying a minority stake in Alpine F1 Team, setting the stage for another intriguing business battle in the Formula 1 paddock.

The potential deal centres on the 24% shareholding currently owned by Otro Capital, the investment group that bought into Alpine in 2023.

That consortium – backed by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney as well as golfer Rory McIlroy – paid $233 million for the slice of the Enstone-based team.

But Formula 1’s explosive growth has dramatically inflated team valuations, with Alpine now believed to be worth around $3 billion – although that’s likely a high-end estimate. Any buyer looking to acquire Otro’s stake is therefore likely to pay significantly more than the original investment.

And Briatore says negotiations are already stirring behind the scenes.

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

Several buyers lining up

Mercedes is not the only party circling the opportunity. According to Briatore, multiple bidders are exploring the possibility of acquiring the shares if Otro decides to sell.

“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 added.

Among the names reportedly linked to the stake is former Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner, highlighting just how much interest the opportunity has generated.

Despite the buzz, Briatore insisted he has no intention of entering the bidding war himself.

“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.”

Mercedes ties already strengthening

The prospect of Mercedes buying into Alpine would deepen the existing technical relationship between the teams.

Alpine has switched to Mercedes power units for the 2026 season after shutting down its own engine programme ahead of Formula 1’s new regulations – a strategic shift strongly backed by Briatore when he returned to the team as an advisor.

Even so, the Italian dismissed suggestions that a Mercedes stake would allow the German manufacturer to exert influence over Alpine’s sporting decisions or voting position within Formula 1 governance.

“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,” he said.

Rivals amused by the intrigue

Elsewhere in the paddock, the potential deal is being watched with curiosity rather than concern.

Audi team principal Jonathan Wheatley made it clear he sees no issue with the prospect of Mercedes becoming a minority shareholder in Alpine.

“I'm very happy,” he said.

“Great, this is fantastic,” Briatore smiled.

• Read also: Nielsen on why Alpine ‘lost a fiver, found a pound’ in Melbourne

Wheatley added that Formula 1’s governance rules already provide safeguards against conflicts of interest.

“The sport has very, very clear governance,” Wheatley continued. “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.”

Briatore could not resist one final quip as the paddock’s latest subplot gathered momentum.

“Make sure it’s hot popcorn,” Briatore jokingly concluded.

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