Christian Horner is said to have reservations about Mercedes’ reported interest in buying shares in Alpine.
There’s been growing speculation around Otro Capital’s plan to offload their 24% shareholding, with big names like Ryan Reynolds, Michael B. Jordan, and Patrick Mahomes already involved on the investment side.
Back in January, Flavio Briatore revealed that Horner had spoken with Otro Capital regarding a potential deal. However, no agreement was reached at the time.
Since then, Toto Wolff has emerged as a potential contender. Reports suggest that Mercedes are now interested in acquiring Otro Capital’s stake in the team.
Christian Horner voices concern over Mercedes’ bid for Alpine stake
According to RacingNews365, Horner has raised concerns about the approach Mercedes is taking. The offer led by Wolff is reportedly considered low, with no signs of improvement.
The report also highlighted that Renault, who own the remaining 76% of Alpine, may be interested in possible synergies with Mercedes. This development is believed to be a significant concern for Horner.
If successful, Mercedes could end up with influence over a second team on the grid. However, Wolff has previously denied that Alpine would become a junior team to Mercedes. Meanwhile, Horner’s offer is said to better reflect the value of the shares being sold.
Horner is understood to want a role that includes input into key team decisions. Buying Otro Capital’s shares would give him some say over driver choices and management appointments within Alpine.
Zak Brown has already called out co-ownership proposals between teams
McLaren CEO Zak Brown has previously publicly questioned the idea of Mercedes owning a stake in Alpine and what it could mean for the sport.
Brown previously told the press: “I think it runs a real high risk of compromising the integrity of sporting fairness.
“In my view, all 11 teams should be absolutely as independent as possible, because I think it has a high risk and we have seen it compromise the integrity of the sport. That will be what turns fans off quicker than anything else.
“It applies to anybody and everybody, A/B teams, co-ownership. So regardless of who it is, I frown upon it. I don’t think it’s healthy for the sport. It’s not personal or towards any one team or individual.”
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