A fresh power struggle is brewing in Formula 1 as Toto Wolff and Christian Horner reportedly find themselves on opposing sides once again—this time over a potential stake in Alpine F1 Team.
In a dramatic twist, Wolff is believed to have entered the race to acquire a significant share of Alpine, directly challenging Horner’s earlier interest in investing in the Enstone-based outfit. The stake in question—approximately 24 percent—is currently owned by Otro Capital, which is now looking to sell its shares for a substantial profit. Having originally purchased the stake in 2023 for around £170 million, the firm is reportedly aiming to nearly triple its investment in under three years.
Horner’s involvement in the bidding process first became public in January, when Flavio Briatore confirmed that a consortium linked to the Red Bull boss had expressed interest in the available shares. Speaking during Alpine’s season launch event in Barcelona, Briatore hinted that multiple groups had approached the team regarding the opportunity, though he did not reveal the full list of interested parties at the time.
What has now emerged, however, is that Wolff and the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team are also exploring a potential investment—setting up a fascinating rivalry off the track between two of F1’s most influential figures.
Mercedes already have a working relationship with Alpine, having agreed to supply power units to the team from the 2026 season onward. This deal came after Briatore made the bold and controversial decision to discontinue Alpine’s in-house engine programme under Renault, marking a major strategic shift for the team. The engine supply agreement is set to run through to 2030, effectively aligning Alpine more closely with Mercedes in the coming years.
Wolff’s reported interest in acquiring a stake suggests a desire to deepen that partnership even further. By becoming a shareholder, Mercedes could gain greater influence over Alpine’s long-term direction, potentially creating a more integrated collaboration similar to other multi-team structures seen in the sport.
Such arrangements are not unprecedented in Formula 1. For example, Red Bull Racing operates alongside its sister outfit, Racing Bulls (formerly AlphaTauri), which serves as both a development platform for young drivers and a strategic partner on the grid. This model has proven effective for Red Bull, allowing them to nurture talent and expand their competitive footprint.
If Wolff succeeds in his bid, it could signal a similar approach from Mercedes—one that would extend their influence beyond a single team and reshape the competitive landscape. However, Horner’s competing interest ensures that the situation remains far from settled.
The prospect of Horner gaining a foothold in Alpine also raises intriguing questions. Having led Red Bull to multiple championships, his involvement could bring a new level of expertise and ambition to the French team. Yet, it would also represent a surprising move given his deep-rooted ties to Red Bull.
Ultimately, the battle for Alpine’s future ownership is shaping up to be one of the most compelling off-track stories in Formula 1. With two heavyweight figures like Wolff and Horner circling the same opportunity, the outcome could have significant implications—not just for Alpine, but for the balance of power across the entire grid.
