Alpine’s future in Formula 1 has once again drawn attention after Toto Wolff, Mercedes boss, withdrew from purchasing 24% of the structure. Speaking at the Monaco GP, Flavio Briatore highlighted that the negotiation does not directly affect the team’s operation and that the decision rests with Renault:
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“In a way, Otro Capital has nothing to do with the team. Otro Capital bought 24% of the team two years ago. And at the moment they were going to sell, as everyone knows, they were negotiating with Toto Wolff. Three days ago, the deal fell through. All the negotiations, we saw what happened. But really, it has nothing to do with the team. We have no pressure from the Renault Group regarding Otro Capital. That is really a problem for the Renault Group, it is not a problem for the Alpine team.”
Regarding Wolff and Mercedes’ withdrawal, Briatore attributed the decision mainly to the asking price. “It’s very simple: the price was too high. At a certain point, the guy presented a different price and I think Toto was very fair, I believe. I also think the people at Otro Capital are fair, but Toto, in all negotiations, was very fair.”
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The negotiation also involved other names from the paddock, including Christian Horner of Red Bull Racing. Briatore stated he has no personal restrictions on working with him or any other investor.
“I would be happy to work with anyone. I’m not sure that’s the point. I think the point right now is: I don’t know, if Christian is involved in any group that wants to buy Otro Capital’s stake or not, for me, he is welcome. I have no problem at all, especially with Christian. I have an excellent relationship with Christian. I’ve known him for 20 years and we worked together on the engine side. I supplied engines to him back in the Renault days, and we worked together for five years. I have no problem at all. But this is just a matter for the Renault Group. You need to talk to the Renault Group, to be honest,” he concluded.
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