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Mercedes’ bid to buy Otro Capital’s shares in Alpine has been widely criticised by Formula 1 fans, as they reject the idea of B teams in the sport.
Otro Capital, fronted by several A-list celebrities and sports stars, are looking to sell their 24% stake in Alpine. Several parties have expressed interest in partnering with the Enstone team, including former Red Bull boss Christian Horner.
However, his arch-rival, Toto Wolff, has since emerged as another interested party, with Mercedes keen on purchasing Otro Capital’s shares. It has now been reported that majority shareholders, Renault, would favour Mercedes’ bid, which has seen a strong reaction on social media.
Mercedes reportedly want to buy a 24% stake in Alpine, but should this be allowed?
The deal would enhance Alpine’s relationship with Mercedes, seeing as the German manufacturer supply them with engines. However, many are concerned that the Enstone team would become the Silver Arrows’ junior team, drawing comparisons to Red Bull and Racing Bulls’ arrangement.
Wolff is adamant Alpine will not be Mercedes’ B team amid the negotiations, and Alpine themselves say Mercedes will not control them if they do buy Otro’s shares. But that has not stopped the proposal deal from being widely detested.
READ MORE: All you need to know about Alpine F1 Team from team principal to lineage
F1 fans call for FIA to block Mercedes’ bid to buy Alpine shares
Zak Brown has criticised Mercedes’ bid, as he wants F1 teams to be as independent as possible. The McLaren boss has been equally as vocal about his dislike for Red Bull’s relationship with Racing Bulls.
He is not alone either, as FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem is ‘looking into’ multi-team ownership for fear that fans will stop watching F1 if the ‘sporting spirit’ is compromised. Fans are calling for the issue to be dealt with swiftly.
On Reddit, many users expressed their opposition to Mercedes’ bid to buy Alpine and Renault’s stance on the situation. They do not want the deal to go through and want the Enstone team to remain independent.
One fan agreed with Ben Sulayem, saying: “Is it bad to say I agree with MBS that owning two teams isn’t the way for F1.”
Who is the best person to run Alpine in Formula 1: Christian Horner, Toto Wolff or Flavio Briatore?
Another echoed: “FIA needs to move to block this. The situation has become untenable now. I know some people like the VCARB situation but we are strong enough now to allow 11 independent teams. One entity having interests in two teams now is becoming more and more unsavoury in my mind.”
“I really hope they don’t let this happen. I don’t want any junior teams in F1,” said another concerned user.
One fan was saddened by the prospect of Alpine no longer being independent: “It just makes me sad that a team with the history of Alpine (Renault/Benetton/Enstone) could wind up as something looked at like a B or junior team. What a sad trajectory.”
One commented: “Just outlaw B teams already,” while another agreed: “B teams suck. VCARBs taking team orders to allow Red Bull to win is like playing sports, having your friend compete on the opposing team, and having him throw so you can win. It’s not competitive.”
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