![\"Briatore](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/XPB_1401020_HiRes.jpg\")
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFlavio Briatore confirmed Mercedes have shown an interest in buying a stake of the Alpine team. Image: XPB Images<\/p>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFlavio Briatore confirmed Mercedes have shown an interest in buying a stake of the Alpine team. Image: XPB Images<\/p>\n
The Enstone outfit\u2019s executive advisor revealed the German manufacturer is among several parties exploring a deal to acquire a 24 percent share currently held by investment group Otro Capital.<\/p>\n
Speaking during the Chinese Grand Prix weekend, Briatore said discussions were ongoing but stressed that multiple potential buyers remained in the frame.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery day is a new situation,\u201d Briatore said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut what I want to say, I know it\u2019s the negotiation from Mercedes \u2013 not with Toto, with Mercedes \u2013 and we\u2019ll see.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn this moment, we have three or four potential buyers \u2013 don\u2019t forget, we\u2019re talking about the Otro share, nothing to do with Alpine.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are a few candidates ready to do the deal.\u201d<\/p>\n
Otro Capital purchased the 24 percent stake in 2023, with the investment group\u2019s backers including actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny as well as golfer Rory McIlroy.<\/p>\n
The shareholding was valued at around $233 million USD ($330.8 million AUD) at the time, but the rapid rise in F1 team valuations means its worth has since increased significantly.<\/p>\n
Surprise rival emerges against Horner for Alpine stake<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n The Alpine operation is now estimated to be worth around $3 billion USD ($4.2 billion AUD), meaning any sale of the minority stake would likely command a far higher price than when it was first acquired.<\/p>\n Briatore said the potential transaction related solely to Otro\u2019s shareholding and would not affect Renault\u2019s controlling position within the team.<\/p>\n Asked whether Mercedes having a minority stake could influence Alpine\u2019s operations or voting power within F1\u2019s governance structure, he suggested the impact would be limited.<\/p>\n \u201cRed 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\u2019s 24%,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cNormally in one company, 75% decide and 25% is the passenger. And this is what is the reality.\u201d<\/p>\n Briatore also dismissed the idea of personally entering the bidding for the shareholding, insisting he was simply monitoring how negotiations unfold.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, no, no. I\u2019m just looking what\u2019s going on and just watching what\u2019s going on,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have no communication with Otro in this moment. So if somebody buys the share, we are very happy.\u201d<\/p>\n Mercedes\u2019 interest comes as Alpine begins a new technical partnership with the German manufacturer in 2026, having switched to Mercedes power units after ending its own engine program ahead of the current regulations.<\/p>\n Any deal is understood to be centred on a financial investment rather than a move to create a second team linked directly to Mercedes\u2019 works operation.<\/p>\n Several other parties have also been linked to the available stake, including former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner<\/a>, who has been associated with a potential consortium looking to acquire the holding.<\/p>\n
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