Otor Capital Explores Sale of 24% Stake in Alpine F1 Team
Private investment firm Otor Capital is exploring a potential sale of its 24% stake in the Alpine Formula One team, according to recent reports. The move comes amid growing investor interest in Formula One’s rising commercial value, with team valuations increasing significantly since Otor’s initial investment.
Otor Capital originally acquired its stake in Alpine Racing Ltd in June 2023 for €200 million, valuing the team at approximately $900 million at the time. The investment was made to support Alpine’s global development strategy, particularly in media, sponsorship, ticketing, hospitality, commercial rights, licensing and merchandising.
Since the initial investment, Otor Capital has expanded its investor group to include high-profile athletes and sports entities. In October 2023, the firm announced the addition of notable figures such as Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Rory McIlroy, Anthony Joshua, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, alongside institutional partners RedBird Capital Partners and Maximum Effort Investments. Alec Scheiner, co-founder and partner of Otor Capital, joined the Alpine Racing Ltd board following the investment.
The current exploration of a stake sale reflects the significant increase in Formula One team valuations. Recent market activity shows Aston Martin valued at roughly $3.3 billion in its latest stake transaction, while Racing Bulls reportedly declined a $2.3 billion buyout offer. These figures contrast sharply with Otor’s original $900 million valuation, underscoring the rapid appreciation of F1 assets.
Under the existing agreement between Renault Group and Alpine, Renault retains the right of first offer should Otor decide to divest its shares. Renault’s leadership has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Formula One through the Alpine brand, with a strategic focus on expanding the team’s presence in the United States market.
Alpine has taken steps to strengthen its U.S. Operations, including a recent restructuring of its American business to enhance sponsorship and commercial opportunities. Team principal Flavio Briatore has emphasized that the squad’s commercial strategy remains centered on growing its footprint in North America, even as Renault delays the U.S. Launch of Alpine-branded vehicles due to tariff considerations.
As discussions remain in early stages, no formal transaction has been announced. The potential sale highlights both the financial maturation of Formula One as an investment asset and the evolving ownership landscape among leading motorsport teams.