Christian Horner sees a ‘major cause for concern’ in Mercedes’ offer to buy Alpine shares

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Christian Horner reportedly sees a ‘major cause for concern’ in Mercedes’ bid to buy Alpine shares.

It has been well documented that Otro Capital, an American private investment firm that includes the likes of Ryan Reynolds, Michael B. Jordan and Patrick Mahomes, are looking to sell their 24% stake in Alpine.

In January, it was announced by Alpine executive advisor Flavio Briatore that ex-Red Bull team boss Horner had held talks with Otro Capital over the shares.

Since then, it has been reported that Horner’s rival, Toto Wolff, has also entered the running, with Mercedes said to be keen on buying Otro Capital’s shares.

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Christian Horner sees a ‘major cause for concern’ in Mercedes’ offer to buy Alpine shares

Now, according to RacingNews365, Horner has spotted a ‘major cause for concern’ in Mercedes’ bid. 

It has been suggested that Wolff, in tandem with Mercedes, has made an offer described as ‘very low’, with ‘no attempt’ to raise the bid. 

The report stated that ‘potential future synergies’ between Renault, who owns the remaining 76% in Alpine, and Mercedes are ‘appealing’ to the French manufacturer, which is said to be a ‘major cause for concern’ for Horner. 

It has been suggested that Mercedes could gain control of a second team on the F1 grid if they are successful with their bid to buy into Alpine.

However, Wolff has previously stated that Alpine won’t become Mercedes’ junior team. Meanwhile, Horner’s offer is believed to be ‘more reflective of the value of the shares’.

It has been previously reported that Horner, who is now free to work for another team in F1 after his Red Bull departure, is keen to secure a ‘decision-making’ role.

Purchasing Otro Capital’s shares would allow the Brit to have ‘a degree’ of control regarding the team’s drivers and team principal.

Mercedes reportedly want to buy a 24% stake in Alpine, but should this be allowed?

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Recently, McLaren CEO Zak Brown has raised his concerns over Mercedes’ bid to buy into Alpine.

The American claims that a potential co-ownership would compromise ‘the integrity of sporting fairness’.

Brown said: “I think it runs a real high risk of compromising the integrity of sporting fairness.

“In my view, all 11 teams should be absolutely as independent as possible, because I think it has a high risk and we have seen it compromise the integrity of the sport. That will be what turns fans off quicker than anything else.

“It applies to anybody and everybody, A/B teams, co-ownership. So regardless of who it is, I frown upon it. I don’t think it’s healthy for the sport. It’s not personal or towards any one team or individual.”