Flavio Briatore says talks over the possible sale of a minority stake in Alpine are taking place with Mercedes as a company rather than with Toto Wolff personally.
The 24 per cent share currently belongs to American investment group Otro Capital, which bought into the team three years ago in a deal valued at €200 million.
The consortium – whose investors include actor Ryan Reynolds and golfer Rory McIlroy – is now looking to sell its holding.
Multiple buyers are believed to be interested in acquiring the stake.
Among those linked with the opportunity are Mercedes team principal and co-owner Toto Wolff, as well as former Red Bull boss Christian Horner.
Negotations with Mercedes
While Wolff’s involvement has attracted attention in the paddock, Briatore insisted Alpine has not held direct discussions with him.
“Every day it’s a new situation,” he told media including Motorsport Week during the Team Principals’ press conference in Shanghai.
“But what I want to say, I know it’s a negotiation from Mercedes, not with Toto, with Mercedes, and we see.
“At this moment, we have three or four potential buyers. Not to forget, we’re talking about the Otro share, nothing to do with Alpine. It the share of Otro, to sell the 24 percent and there are a few candidates ready to do the deal.”
Briatore also dismissed the idea that he could become a buyer himself.
“No, no, no,” he said.
“Just looking what’s going on, and just watching what’s going on.
“We have no communication with Toto at this moment. So if somebody buys the shares, we are very happy.”
Alpine has a new engine supplier – Mercedes
The interest comes as Alpine begins a new technical partnership with Mercedes.
The Enstone-based team switched to Mercedes power units this season after ending its Renault engine programme and is also using Mercedes gearboxes.
Mercedes did not confirm whether Wolff had made a bid, but acknowledged the company is aware of the process.
“Mercedes is a key strategic partner of Alpine, and we are being kept apprised of the latest developments,” a spokesperson said.
Alpine also declined to address specific names linked to the potential sale.
“The team is regularly approached and contacted by multiple parties and potential investors,” a spokesperson said.
“We do not comment on any specific names or individuals in question. Any discussions are not a matter for the team; they’re between the current stakeholders and parties expressing an interest.
“The primary focus for the team is the immediate task at hand, which is the start of the racing season and seeing a sustained recovery of performance on track.”
With several potential buyers circling and negotiations ongoing, the future ownership structure of Alpine’s minority stake appears likely to become clearer as the process moves forward.
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