Jonathan Wheatley sees no conflict of interest in Mercedes’ buying 24% stake in Alpine

Outgoing Audi team principal Jonathan Wheatley has dismissed concerns over Mercedes’ reported move to acquire a 24% stake in Alpine, insisting he sees no conflict of interest despite the Enstone squad currently running Mercedes power units.

Given Alpine’s current status as a Mercedes power unit customer—having relinquished its works team position at the end of last year—the potential investment has inevitably drawn scrutiny.

Briatore: a 24% shareholder is just a "passenger"

"Red Bull already is a pioneer in this in the last 10 years or 15 years, whatever," Briatore said. "Mercedes, one group is looking to buy Otro’s 24 per cent. Normally, one company, 75% decide, and the 25% is a passenger, and this is the reality."

In essence, Briatore framed the potential investment as financially significant but strategically limited, arguing that majority ownership ultimately dictates direction.

Wheatley confident in F1 governance

Wheatley, seated alongside Briatore in the FIA press conference, was also asked for his view. When prompted for his opinion, he expressed clear confidence in the sport’s regulatory framework.

"I’m very happy... Look, the sport has very, very clear governance. I don’t see any conflict of interest or concerns on our side at all."

His stance was unequivocal: Formula 1’s governance structure provides sufficient safeguards to prevent conflicts arising from such cross-team investments.

While acknowledging that he would be following developments closely, Wheatley struck a relaxed tone.

"To be honest, I’m just watching it, eating the popcorn and enjoying the show."

Personal view amid career transition

Wheatley’s comments come despite his recent confirmation that he will step down as Audi team principal, with an expected move to the same role at Aston Martin. Though his future lies elsewhere, his remarks reflect a personal assessment of the situation rather than an official stance from any incoming team.

For now, he appears content to observe events unfold, confident that the sport’s governance mechanisms are robust enough to manage any potential complications stemming from Mercedes’ prospective minority investment in Alpine.