A major move could be brewing in Formula 1. Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team is reportedly exploring a strategy that could bring rising star Franco Colapinto under its control through a deeper partnership with Alpine F1 Team.
Mercedes is looking to acquire Otro Capital's stake in Alpine, going head-to-head with former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, according to British newspaper The Telegraph.
Alpine's executive advisor, Flavio Briatore, recently revealed that Horner is in talks with the consortium to acquire 24% of the Formula 1 team. In addition, Briatore indicated that there are several interested parties. Otro Capital brings together Hollywood stars and renowned figures.
Horner intended to acquire that stake, but now faces Mercedes, led by Toto Wolff, according to the media outlet. There is even talk that Wolff has submitted an offer on behalf of the German team, which already supplies Alpine with power units.
If Mercedes secures the package, it could replicate the structure that Red Bull Racing currently has with Racing Bulls. The exact value of the share package has not yet been disclosed. Published valuations place the team between £1.5 billion and £1.86 billion, which puts the 24% stake at around £448 million.
If Mercedes wants to use Alpine as Red Bull uses Racing Bulls, Colapinto would come under the control of the German team's decisions. Drivers such as Isack Hadjar, Liam Lawson, Yuki Tsunoda, Daniel Riccardo, among others, were able to “move up” to the main team, which opens up the possibility for Colapinto to do the same with Mercedes.
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For now, the situation surrounding Franco Colapinto and the potential involvement of Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team remains speculative, but it highlights how quickly the balance of power can shift behind the scenes in Formula 1. Investments, partnerships, and strategic alliances often shape the future of teams and drivers just as much as results on the track.
If Mercedes were to gain greater influence within Alpine F1 Team, it could open an entirely new pathway for developing talent and strengthening its long-term driver program. At the same time, rival interests and financial negotiations mean that nothing is guaranteed yet.
What happens next may not only determine Colapinto’s trajectory in the sport, but could also signal a broader strategic shift among F1’s biggest power players.
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