Mercedes spoke out this Monday (9) regarding rumors that Toto Wolff, Formula 1 team principal, and the German manufacturer would be interested in acquiring a minority stake in Alpine. The statement came after reports from the British press suggested that the Mercedes boss was eyeing the share package that Otro Capital currently holds in the French team.
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A Mercedes spokesperson told the international website GPblog: “Mercedes is a key strategic partner of Alpine and we are being kept informed of the latest developments.” However, when questioned in more detail about the veracity of the rumors, the manufacturer neither confirmed nor denied any negotiations.
According to rumors, only one interested party remains in the acquisition of Otro Capital’s shares, but it is not yet known if it would be Toto Wolff with Mercedes. The possible operation would allow the Austrian to surpass his former rival Christian Horner, formerly of Red Bull, who had also shown interest in the same share package for some time.
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The relationship between Mercedes and Alpine has grown closer this season. The French team is now a customer of the German manufacturer, using its power units, which reinforces the strategic partnership between the two teams.
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