Toto Wolff Linked to Alpine Stake Amid Mercedes Two-Team Strategy The BWT Alpine Formula One Team is now at the center of a story that extends beyond a simple financial move. According to multiple sources, including British media and specialist outlets, Toto Wolff is leading an offer to acquire the 24% stake held by Otro Capital in Alpine F1 Team. This shareholding has already attracted several bidders, including a consortium linked to Christian Horner, highlighting the team’s growing value in the Formula 1 paddock. At first glance, the investment appears standard, given the team’s valuation has surged since the budget cap era began. However, the strategic implications are significant. A Mercedes stake in Alpine could create a two-team ecosystem akin to Red Bull’s model, where a main team competes for titles and a sister structure serves as a development platform. This approach allows manufacturers to gather extensive technical data and test drivers under real racing conditions, which Mercedes currently lacks through its partnerships with McLaren and Williams. The interest in Alpine is particularly notable because of its technical ties to Mercedes. Since 2026, Alpine has used Mercedes power units and gearboxes, following the end of Renault’s engine program. This relationship has strengthened the technical link between the two entities, making a Mercedes stake in Alpine a strategic move. The 24% stake, originally purchased by Otro Capital and its partners for around €200 million in 2023, is now estimated to be worth over €500 million, with the team’s total valuation ranging between €1.7 and €2 billion. The Red Bull model, which has been central to the German manufacturer’s success for nearly two decades, offers a blueprint for Mercedes.#christian_horner #toto_wolff #otro_capital #alpine_f1_team #renault_group
Renault Unveils Bridger Concept Show-Car as Part of Global Strategy Renault has announced the name of its new show-car, the Bridger Concept, as part of its ongoing international expansion. The vehicle is positioned as an urban SUV with a bold design that combines compact dimensions with spacious interior space. Under 4 metres in length, the Bridger Concept is described as a forward-thinking model that reflects Renault’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of urban families. The show-car serves as a precursor to a production vehicle set to be developed in India, a key market for Renault’s global growth initiatives. The unveiling of the Bridger Concept will coincide with the presentation of Renault Group’s futuREady strategic plan on 10 March. The event will be livestreamed from 9am CET on the Renault Group’s events platform. The name “Bridger” is derived from the English word “bridge,” symbolizing robustness, connection, and innovation. It aligns with Renault’s vision of “voitures à vivre” (cars to live in), emphasizing the vehicle’s role in fostering human interaction and modern mobility. The name follows a trend of Renault’s English-inspired monikers, including the Duster, and is intended to reinforce the brand’s global identity. Renault’s strategic focus on electrification and innovation is central to its “Renaulution” plan, which aims to transform the brand into a more competitive and sustainable entity. The Bridger Concept exemplifies this shift, showcasing Renault’s ability to blend design, functionality, and technological advancement. The show-car’s design highlights Renault’s ambition to redefine urban mobility, balancing practicality with a striking aesthetic.#renault_group #renault #bridger_concept #elisabeth_prudhomme #futuready
