Mercedes distances itself from Alpine as Horner's choices become limited.

Mercedes distances itself from Alpine as Horner's choices become limited.

      Mercedes has reportedly abandoned its plans to acquire a stake in Alpine, while Christian Horner's ambitions to return to Formula 1 through the French team seem to have encountered a stalemate. Reports indicate that Mercedes has pulled out of negotiations to buy the 24 percent stake in Alpine held by New York-based investment fund Otro Capital. AFP reached out to Mercedes for a statement, but a spokesperson declined to comment.

      Negotiations had allegedly been in progress for several months, with both Mercedes and Toto Wolff showing interest in acquiring the minority shareholding. However, talks fell apart over the valuation. Multiple reports suggest that Otro was seeking around $720 million for the 24 percent stake, indicating a total valuation for the Enstone-based team of nearly $3 billion. In contrast, Mercedes is believed to value the team lower, estimating it at approximately $2.2-2.4 billion.

      A source from Renault was quoted saying, “As far as we understand, negotiations have been terminated.” This development is notable because Renault had previously identified Mercedes as its preferred bidder and had used its veto rights to block negotiations with other interested parties. One of those parties included former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner.

      Reports from Spain and Britain suggest that Horner had gathered a group of investors interested in acquiring the same 24 percent stake. However, Renault, which holds a 76 percent controlling interest in Alpine, seems to have exercised its veto rights to prevent any deal involving Horner’s consortium. This situation leaves Horner's plans for a return to Formula 1 increasingly uncertain.

      Recent speculation had also connected him to Chinese automotive giant BYD, with their vice president Stella Li meeting Horner at the Cannes Film Festival amidst reports of the company considering an entry into Formula 1. However, with Renault intent on keeping its controlling stake and now having blocked both Mercedes and Horner-related initiatives, this possibility appears slim. For the time being, Horner’s most viable route back into Formula 1 may depend on whether BYD chooses to launch its own standalone project as a potential twelfth team.

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Mercedes distances itself from Alpine as Horner's choices become limited.

Formula 1 | It has been reported that Mercedes has decided against pursuing a stake in Alpine, while Christian Horner’s aspirations to utilize the French team as a pathway back into (…)