Theo Pourchaire might just have one final chance to join F1 as Toto Wolff eyes Alpine stake

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Mercedes boss Toto Wolff is expressing an interest in buying a stake in Alpine, and it could give Theo Pourchaire his final chance to join Formula 1.

The Enstone outfit are looking for new investment, as Otro Capital, which consists of multiple A-list celebrities and sports stars, are looking to sell their 24% stake in the team.

It has long been reported that former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner is looking to join Alpine as a shareholder in 2026. However, negotiations have hit a stumbling block that has seen Wolff, his arch-rival, enter the frame.

Who is the best person to run Alpine in Formula 1: Christian Horner, Toto Wolff or Flavio Briatore?

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Horner wants to become Alpine’s majority owner, which creates problems with Renault’s majority share in the team. Now, Wolff is interested in buying the Alpine shares, which is certain to cause a stir in the paddock.

With Mercedes supplying Alpine’s engines until at least 2030, such a deal would certainly strengthen the relationship between the two teams. It could also play into the hands of Pourchaire as one final opportunity to join the grid.

Toto Wolff’s bid to buy Alpine stake could give Theo Pourchaire his final chance to land F1 seat

Since winning the F2 title in 2023, the Frenchman has been continuously snubbed from an F1 seat. He had been part of the Sauber academy from 2022, acting as a test and reserve driver for the team, who were then known as Alfa Romeo.

Pourchaire could not find a seat on the grid in 2024 and thus drew his attention to other categories. Now plying his trade with Peugeot in the World Endurance Championship, he has since returned to the F1 paddock with Mercedes as a development driver in 2026.

Now, it is important to stress that, if Wolff were to complete a deal for Otro Capital’s stake in Alpine, he would be the minority shareholder. Therefore, his influence over the team may be limited.

Prove me wrong: Christian Horner is the best person Alpine can hire in 2026

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That being said, given his success and the power he has at Mercedes, Alpine may be inclined to listen to him more as they hope to rebuild. There could be a possibility that Wolff wants one of his drivers in their car.

Franco Colapinto is under pressure in 2026, and if he struggles to perform, he could be axed, thus opening the door for someone like Pourchaire.

If the Frenchman can impress Mercedes with his work behind the scenes, and if Wolff can get a deal done with Alpine, the Austrian could influence the team to give Pourchaire the shot in F1 that has constantly eluded him.

READ MORE: All you need to know about Alpine F1 Team from team principal to lineage

Theo Pourchaire would have to fend off strong competition to race for Alpine in 2027

Of course, at this stage, Pourchaire racing for Alpine in 2027 is entirely hypothetical, provided Wolff becomes their minority owner. And even then, he has a long list of drivers to beat for the seat.

Firstly, there is Alpine’s current crop of drivers. Alex Dunne has recently signed for the team, joining the likes of Paul Aron and Ryo Hirakawa on the sidelines, who will all be gunning for a seat in 2027.

Then there is Mercedes’ current pool of talent. Frederik Vesti, who finished runner-up to Pourchaire in F2 in 2023, has been with the team since 2021, while the Silver Arrows recently signed Joshua Durksen, who is a contender for the 2026 title.

Vesti would probably be the favourite to join Alpine – that is, if Wolff buys them – given how long he has been with Mercedes. It is an outside chance for Pourchaire to join the grid, but it is a chance, and it is most likely his last to drive in F1.