Alpine’s F1 resurgence attracts Gucci interest as Mercedes monitors investment opportunity. Alpine’s momentum off track grows as Gucci and Mercedes emerge in major talks.

Positive early-season performances are boosting confidence at Alpine both on and off the track, with Gucci and potential ownership changes now entering the conversation

Alpine’s strong start to the 2026 Formula 1 season has brought renewed optimism to the Enstone-based team, and not just because of what is happening on track.

Across the first four race weekends of the campaign, Alpine has consistently placed itself inside the top 10, climbing to fifth in the constructors’ championship and sitting just seven points behind Red Bull. The positive momentum continued in Miami, where Franco Colapinto added another encouraging result by finishing seventh after a highly competitive weekend.

When performances improve on track, optimism tends to spread elsewhere as well — and Alpine is now reportedly attracting serious commercial interest.

According to reports, discussions are underway with luxury fashion brand Gucci, which could step in as Alpine’s title sponsor from 2027 onward. Gucci is part of the Kering group, currently led by CEO Luca de Meo, who took over the role last September after his time with Renault Group.

The Italian executive has long been closely connected to Formula 1 strategy, having played a central role in Renault’s decision to rebrand its Formula 1 operation as Alpine in an effort to strengthen the sporting identity of the marque.

Mercedes monitoring Alpine ownership opportunity

Another major story continues to develop around Alpine behind the scenes.

Back in March, reports emerged suggesting Mercedes had been closely monitoring Otro Capital’s stake in Alpine. The investment firm acquired a 24% share in the team in December 2023 for €200 million, an investment that appears to have become highly profitable, with the value of that holding reportedly more than tripling.

That naturally raises the possibility that Otro Capital could look to cash in through a sale.

Mercedes, which became Alpine’s technical partner this season, was the first name to emerge as a potential buyer. Unsurprisingly, the possibility has triggered debate throughout the Formula 1 paddock.

Some have expressed surprise at the idea of a works team having another manufacturer represented within its ownership structure. Others have raised concerns about the competitive implications of Mercedes potentially gaining influence over a second Formula 1 team.

FIA monitoring possible regulatory implications

During the Miami Grand Prix weekend, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem confirmed that the governing body is reviewing the legality and broader implications of a single manufacturer having ownership interests in two Formula 1 teams.

If the FIA were to intervene and block such an arrangement, the conversation could potentially extend beyond Alpine and Mercedes, since Red Bull has operated with a second team in Formula 1 for two decades. That situation, however, emerged under very different circumstances, as the second team was originally rescued from closure in 2005 following the difficult final period under Paul Stoddart’s ownership. For now, the situation remains open.

Other potential investors could yet emerge, but there is also the possibility that Alpine itself could choose to buy back the 24% stake sold two and a half years ago by exercising the right of first refusal included in the original agreement.