Mercedes Given Positive Update in Alpine Bidding War

May 12, 2026 - 17:59

Mercedes has intensified its push to acquire the Alpine Formula 1 team, a move that would make it only the second organization in the sport's history to own two separate F1 outfits. The German manufacturer now appears to have received a positive signal in what has become a competitive bidding war.

Sources close to the negotiations indicate that Alpine's parent company, Renault, is leaning toward accepting Mercedes' offer over other interested parties. The deal would see Mercedes take full control of the Enstone-based squad, which currently operates under the Alpine brand. This would leave Mercedes with its championship-winning factory team in Brackley plus a second operation running under a different name.

The acquisition would mirror the structure of Red Bull, which owns both Red Bull Racing and the junior Visa Cash App RB team. For Mercedes, the logic is clear: having a second team allows them to develop young drivers, test new parts, and increase their overall influence in the paddock. It also solves Alpine's long-term uncertainty, as Renault has been weighing whether to continue funding the program.

Neither side has confirmed a timeline for a final decision, but the positive update suggests an announcement could come before the end of the season. If completed, the purchase would reshape the grid and give Mercedes a powerful new foothold in the sport.