Toto Wolff is exploring the possibility of purchasing a stake in the Formula 1 team Alpine, while Christian Horner is also weighing up a bid for the same 24 percent stake in Alpine that is up for sale by Otro Capital, according to multiple reports. Otro Capital is looking to sell the stake for up to three times the purchase price, valuing it at just under £450 million. Several celebrity investors, including Juan Mata, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Anthony Joshua, and Rory McIlroy, hold minority interests in Otro Capital, adding a high-profile dimension to the investment group.
Flavio Briatore confirmed in January that a consortium led by Christian Horner was one of 'a few groups' interested in the available shares. Christian Horner was axed by Red Bull in July 2023, which has freed him up to pursue new ventures in Formula 1, including this potential investment in Alpine.
Mercedes has an existing relationship with Alpine, having struck a deal to supply engines to them from this season. It is legal for one F1 team to partly or wholly own another, according to multiple reports, but Renault and Flavio Briatore have the power to veto any new investor in Alpine, adding a regulatory hurdle to any potential deal.
Renault and Flavio Briatore have the power to veto any new investor in Alpine, meaning any sale must gain their approval to proceed, which could influence the bidding process between Wolff and Horner.
Toto Wolff held talks with Sir Jim Ratcliffe in 2023 about potentially taking part in a Manchester United takeover, showing his interest in sports investments beyond Formula 1. Sir Jim Ratcliffe's minority stake in Manchester United was confirmed on Christmas Eve 2023, highlighting a trend of high-profile sports figures diversifying their portfolios. Otro Capital did not wish to comment on the story, leaving the details of the stake sale and ongoing negotiations unclear to the public.