The FIA could now ‘block’ Toto Wolff and Mercedes’ bid to buy Alpine over Christian Horner

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Mercedes boss Toto Wolff is looking to invest in Alpine, but it has now been suggested that the FIA could prevent such a deal.

Otro Capital are looking to sell their 24% stake in the Enstone-based team, with multiple parties being interested, including former team principal Otmar Szafnauer. It has long been reported that Christian Horner is in talks with Alpine over a deal.

However, it recently emerged that Wolff was looking to buy Otro’s shares in Alpine. The team are supplied with Mercedes engines in 2026, and such a deal would strengthen their relationship.

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Alpine are seriously considering Wolff and Horner’s bids, but it appears that they have shifted more focus onto the former’s offer.

Renault’s CEO would give Wolff total ‘operational control’ if his bid is successful. However, it is now suggested that the FIA could step in to end proceedings.

FIA could ‘block’ Toto Wolff’s bid to buy Alpine with potential issues with F1 Commission

Mercedes’ deal would be massive for F1’s landscape, given that they would effectively have control over two teams. It could even result in McLaren losing their Mercedes engines, as the Brackley outfit now want to supply two customer teams instead of three.

But the biggest criticism of the bid is having two teams altogether. Wolff is adamant that Alpine would not be Mercedes’ B-team amid comparisons to the relationship between Red Bull and Racing Bulls.

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It is this reason why the FIA, according to journalist Mat Coch, may ‘block’ Mercedes’ deal, as it would create issues with the F1 Commission, and ‘possibly the EU’.

As Coch reports via X (formerly Twitter), the offer is ‘making waves in the paddock’, but the potential conflict of interest makes it, in his eyes, not an ‘especially serious bid’, despite the big names involved.

READ MORE: All you need to know about Mercedes F1 CEO and team principal Toto Wolff

Mercedes rivals are monitoring their bid to buy Alpine

Will Buxton posed a ‘conflict of interest’ with Mercedes buying Alpine, given the relationship they already have in 2026. It has sparked controversy among F1 rivals over having ownership of two teams.

Zak Brown has openly criticised Red Bull having two teams, with Racing Bulls being their junior team, which gives them extra data and development opportunities. With this in mind, it is likely that team bosses will not be keen on Wolff investing in Alpine.

Mercedes’ rivals are monitoring their offer to Alpine and where the situation could lead. While Wolff denies the Enstone outfit becoming a B-team, the implications of the deal make it impossible to ignore.

Whatever Alpine decides to do is another question, as they have multiple parties to consider for new investment that will help them move forward.