Flavio Briatore confirms Mercedes wants to buy into Alpine F1 team

March 13, 2026 · Yahoo Sports

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The Mercedes Formula 1 team intends to acquire a stake in the rival Alpine outfit, Flavio Briatore has confirmed.

Recent reports about the potential transaction – which Motorsport clarified on Thursday involves Mercedes itself, not just Toto Wolff – have been corroborated by the Alpine team boss in Friday’s press conference at the Chinese Grand Prix.

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The German brand would then buy a 24% stake in the Enstone-based team; those shares are currently owned by Otro Capital, an investment group involving movie stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny alongside golfer Rory McIlroy.

Otro paid $233million for the shares back in 2023, but the ever-rising value of F1 teams means the figure would be higher this time around – the Alpine outfit’s value has more than doubled since then, now up to $3billion.

“Every day is a new situation,” Briatore said. “But what I want to say, I know it's the negotiation from Mercedes – not with Toto, with Mercedes – and we'll see.

Flavio Briatore, Alpine

“In this moment, we have three or four potential buyers – don't forget, we're talking about the Otro share, nothing to do with Alpine. There are a few candidates ready to do the deal,” he added, with former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner among the potential buyers.

Asked if he was tempted to buy it himself, Briatore replied: “No, no, no. I'm just looking what's going on and just watching what's going on. We have no communication with Otro in this moment. So if somebody buys the share, we are very happy.”

Alpine switched to a Mercedes engine supply for the 2026 F1 season after ending its own power unit programme ahead of F1’s new technical rules. The move was demanded by Briatore as a prerequisite for him to rejoin as an advisor and de facto team boss.

Asked if he could guarantee Mercedes would have no influence on how Alpine operates or votes in the F1 Commission, Briatore replied: “I think so. Red 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’s 24%. Normally in one company, 75% decide and 25% is the passenger. And this is what is the reality.”

Audi team principal Jonathan Wheatley expressed no concern about the potential deal when it was brought up to him.

“I'm very happy,” he said. “Great, this is fantastic,” Briatore smiled.

“The sport has very, very clear governance,” Wheatley continued. “I don't see any conflict of interest or concerns on our side at all, to be honest. Just watching it, eating the popcorn and enjoying the show.”

“Make sure it’s hot popcorn,” Briatore jokingly concluded.

Photos from Chinese GP - Friday

George Russell, Mercedes

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George Russell, Mercedes

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Gabriel Bortoleto, Audi F1 Team

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Toto Wolff, Mercedes

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Arvid Lindblad, Racing Bulls

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Arvid Lindblad, Racing Bulls

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Charles Leclerc, Ferrari

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Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

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Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

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Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team

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Isack Hadjar, Red Bull Racing

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Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team

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Alexander Albon, Williams

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Carlos Sainz, Williams

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Charles Leclerc, Ferrari

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Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

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Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

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Franco Colapinto, Alpine

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Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

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Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team

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Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team

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The Mercedes Team

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Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team

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Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

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The Alpine Team front wing

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Arvid Lindblad, Racing Bulls

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Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

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Mechanics

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Wheel wrenches

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Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

Alexander Albon, Williams

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Alexander Albon, Williams

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George Russell, Mercedes

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Isack Hadjar, Red Bull Racing

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Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team

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Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team

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Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

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Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

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Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

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Alexander Albon, Williams

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Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

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Valtteri Bottas, Cadillac Racing

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Charles Leclerc, Ferrari

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Charles Leclerc, Ferrari

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Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

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Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

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Oscar Piastri, McLaren

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Arvid Lindblad, Racing Bulls

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Arvid Lindblad, Racing Bulls

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Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team

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George Russell, Mercedes

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Frederic Vasseur, Ferrari

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George Russell, Mercedes, Lando Norris, McLaren

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Charles Leclerc, Ferrari

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George Russell, Mercedes

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Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team

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Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

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