Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has dismissed talk of personal rivalry with Christian Horner while casting doubt on the former Red Bull boss’s prospects for an F1 comeback through a stake in Alpine.
Wolff made the comments ahead of recent races, addressing speculation that both he and Horner are pursuing Otro Capital’s 24 percent share in the Enstone-based team. The Austrian emphasized no direct competition exists between them in the bidding process, but suggested Horner’s return faces significant hurdles due to past tensions in the paddock. Otro Capital, which acquired the stake for around 200 million euros in 2023 backed by investors including Ryan Reynolds and NFL stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, now values it at roughly 588 million dollars amid Alpine’s rising team worth of up to 2.5 billion euros.
Horner, sacked by Red Bull in July 2025 after two decades at the helm, has openly pursued a return in an ownership role rather than as a team principal. His consortium, reportedly including MSP Sports Capital, advanced talks with Alpine, confirmed publicly by executive advisor Flavio Briatore in January. The Oxfordshire location and Horner’s ties to Briatore made the opportunity appealing for a minority investment offering influence without day-to-day operations.
Mercedes’ interest emerged around the Australian Grand Prix, with Briatore later clarifying negotiations involve the team itself, not Wolff personally, though the principal holds a substantial stake in Mercedes. A team spokesperson noted ongoing approaches from multiple parties but stressed focus on on-track performance and the 2026 switch to Mercedes power units, which adds strategic appeal. Renault Group retains 76 percent control and holds first refusal rights, though financial pressures may limit its options.
Wolff’s skepticism stems from Horner’s history of high-profile clashes, including with Mercedes during Red Bull’s dominance years. No FIA rules bar stakes in multiple teams, as seen with Red Bull’s dual ownership, but the bid has drawn other suitors like New York Mets owner Steven Cohen, complicating the landscape.
The outcome could reshape Alpine’s direction at a pivotal time. A Mercedes tie-up might deepen engine synergies ahead of 2026, while Horner’s involvement could inject experience into a midfield squad seeking recovery. Renault’s majority hold ensures continuity, but the sale process, restricted until after September, keeps the paddock watching closely for shifts in team dynamics and investment trends.
