Christian Horner facing sabotage risk as old F1 rival Toto Wolff makes shock move

Toto Wolff and Mercedes are rumoured to be interested in making a bid for a stake in Alpine, putting him in a direct confrontation with old F1 rival Christian Horner.

It is known that Horner is eyeing up the 24% stake seemingly available by a group of private investors, spearheaded by private investment firm, Otro Capital, and supported by the likes of actors Ryan Reynolds and Michael B. Jordan, as well as Kansas City Chiefs star duo Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. Renault owns the remaining 76%.

Alpine team boss Flavio Briatore confirmed in late January that many groups were interested in acquiring the minority shareholding, and that Horner, in particular, was "negotiating" with Otro Capital.

Horner has been out of F1 since his shock sacking from Red Bull in early July last year, ending a 20-year association with the team, of which he was its team principal and CEO.

Horner has since been linked with various teams about a possible return, with Alpine the most prominent, potentially joining forces with former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

Now, though, according to UK newspaper The Telegraph, Wolff and Mercedes are also interested in purchasing the Otro shares.

Mercedes and Alpine are currently intertwined as the German manufacturing giant supplies the new hybrid power units to the F1 team, and could potentially use that as leverage in any deal.

It pits Horner and Wolff against one another, with their rivalry renowned after going head-to-head during their days in the paddock.

A Mercedes F1 spokesperson did not deny the move, simply stating: “Mercedes is a key strategic partner of Alpine and we are being kept apprised of the latest developments."

From Alpine's perspective, a spokesperson said: "We do not comment on any specific names or individuals. Any discussions are not a matter for the team; they’re between the stakeholders and parties expressing an interest.

"The primary focus is the immediate task at hand, which is the start of the racing season and seeing a sustained recovery of performance on track."