F1 rival shares 'conflict of interest' stance on Mercedes-Alpine rumours

Outgoing Audi team principal Jonathan Wheatley does not "see any conflict of interest" in Mercedes purchasing a 24% stake in Alpine, which is currently a power unit customer of the Toto Wolff-led team.

Over the Chinese Grand Prix weekend, there was heavy speculation that the Austrian was looking to go head-to-head with old adversary Christian Horner to purchase shares in Team Enstone from Otro Capital, which is an American hedge fund.

It has since transpired that it is Mercedes, not Wolff, that is the interested party, and it likely has an advantage given the supply of power units to Alpine, which forwent its works team status at the end of last year.

However, Briatore has also been clear that a one-quarter stake is tantamount to being a "passenger" whilst dismissing the suggestion that it would be similar to Red Bull's two-team arrangement.

Speaking to media at the Chinese GP, including RacingNews365, the Italian said: "Red Bull already is a pioneer in this in the last 10 years or 15 years, whatever.

"Mercedes, one group is looking to buy Otro’s 24 per cent. Normally, one company, 75 per cent decide, and the 25 per cent is a passenger, and this is the reality."

Wheatley, who was sitting alongside Briatore in the FIA press conference, was also asked for his view on Mercedes investing in Alpine, to which the former added: "I don’t know if Jonathan is happy or not. Tell your opinion."

The outgoing Audi boss shared his confidence in the F1 regulations surrounding the matter, underlining his belief that there is nothing untoward with the situation.

"I’m very happy... Look, the sport has very, very clear governance. I don’t see any conflict of interest or concerns on our side at all."

Wheatley revealed he would be keeping track of developments with interest, stating: "To be honest, I’m just watching it, eating the popcorn and enjoying the show."

Despite having recently been confirmed to be leaving the Audi team principal role, with an expected move to the same position at Aston Martin, Wheatley's personal opinion still applies, even if it cannot be attributed to his new team.