Alpine F1 Team Stake Acquisition
Toto Wolff, the team principal of Mercedes, is leading a bid to acquire a stake in the Alpine F1 Team, with Christian Horner, former team principal of Red Bull, also expressing interest. This development comes as Otro Capital, which currently holds a 24% stake in Alpine, is estimated to be worth around US$588 million.
Otro Capital originally paid €200 million for their stake, which translates to approximately US$233 million. The interest from Wolff and Horner highlights the competitive nature of the Formula 1 landscape, particularly as Alpine has been a team on the rise, fueled by strategic partnerships and a focus on performance.
Alpine has been supplied with engines and gearboxes from Mercedes since the discontinuation of its Renault engine program, further intertwining the two teams. Wolff’s recent sale of 15% of his stake in Mercedes for around US$300 million has altered his control at Mercedes, potentially positioning him to invest in Alpine.
Renault Group retains a 76% controlling stake in the Alpine F1 Team, indicating that any significant changes in ownership would require their approval. An Alpine spokesperson confirmed that the team is regularly approached by multiple parties interested in investment, reflecting the growing interest in the team’s potential.
Mercedes has also acknowledged their role as a strategic partner of Alpine, with a spokesperson stating, “Mercedes is a key strategic partner of Alpine and we are being kept apprised of the latest developments.” This relationship could play a crucial role in any future ownership changes.
Horner’s interest in acquiring a stake in Alpine is noted as being driven by his long tenure in the sport, having served as team principal of Red Bull for over 20 years. The dynamics of ownership in Formula 1 are complex, with no regulations under the International Automobile Federation (FIA) prohibiting a single entity from owning stakes in multiple teams.
As the bidding process unfolds, the exact outcome remains unclear. The future performance and valuation of the Alpine F1 Team also remain uncertain, with stakeholders keenly watching the developments. Details remain unconfirmed.
