Toto Wolff/Christian Horner F1 rivalry in new twist over Alpine investment

The feud between Toto Wolff and Christian Horner has taken an intriguing new twist, as reports suggest the Mercedes Formula 1 boss is interested in buying shares in Alpine.

Christian Horner’s ultra-successful tenure as Red Bull’s team principal came to an end midway through last season, amid tensions from a decline in results and accusations of inappropriate behaviour in 2024.

In recent months, Horner has been linked to a return to the F1 paddock in some capacity, with his name standing up alongside several teams.

Earlier this year, rumours of a link-up with Alpine intensified through a buy-in of a minority stake in the Enstone-based outfit.

Speaking in January, he said: “I feel like I have unfinished business in Formula 1.

“It didn’t finish the way that I would have liked it to finish. But, I am not going to come back for just anything.

“I am only going to come back for something that can win. I don’t want to go back in the paddock unless I have something to do.”

Horner’s Alpine plans under threat?

Those hopes of returning to the F1 paddock with Alpine now look like they are under threat, following a report from The Telegraph that Toto Wolff is now an interested party in those shares.

Wolff is said to be leading a bid to buy the 24% stake in Alpine’s F1 team currently owned by Otro Capital.

Horner and Wolff have a frosty relationship at best, and any Mercedes involvement in Alpine ownership is unlikely to open any doors for the former Red Bull boss.

While a successful buy-in of the near £500m stake in Alpine would not give Mercedes control over the team, it would strengthen ties to a squad that has taken on the German brand’s power units for 2026.

However, it would likely come under intense scrutiny from rivals on the grid, who have previously been critical of sister team structures.

Some have viewed Red Bull’s ownership of Racing Bulls as potentially unfair.

Mercedes’ dominant start to the new campaign in Australia, as well as surprise from its customers about how much power it has gotten out of the same power unit, is unlikely to see any Alpine investment be welcomed by the paddock.

The Telegraph reports that a spokesperson from Alpine said on the matter: “We do not comment on any specific names of individuals.

“Any discussions are not a matter for the team; they’re between the stakeholders and parties expressing interest.

“The primary focus is the immediate task at hand, which is the start of the racing season and seeing a sustained recovery of performance on track.”