A potential alliance of three of Formula One’s most formidable figures could be set for a dramatic return to the sport’s forefront. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has expressed his enthusiasm for a rumoured bid involving Christian Horner, Bernie Ecclestone, and Flavio Briatore to acquire the Alpine team.
Speaking at the Dutch Grand Prix, Wolff described the prospect of these influential personalities reuniting as an “exciting project” that would generate significant interest. He suggested the sport would benefit from the return of such high-profile team principals, referencing a previous era dominated by powerful figures like Frank Williams and Ron Dennis.
The potential consortium brings together considerable experience. Horner, recently departed from Red Bull, would be seeking a new challenge. Ecclestone, the former long-time chief executive, has been absent from direct involvement since 2017. Briatore currently serves as an executive adviser to Alpine and maintains close relationships with both figures.
On the track at Zandvoort, McLaren continued to demonstrate strong form during practice sessions. Lando Norris led the timesheets, narrowly outperforming teammate Oscar Piastri in challenging conditions. Unpredictable weather, with rain repeatedly affecting the circuit, is expected to influence the weekend’s racing.
Meanwhile, Red Bull faced difficulties at what has traditionally been a strong circuit for Max Verstappen. The Dutch driver finished sixth in the first practice session, nearly a second behind Norris, and experienced an off-track excursion as the session concluded.
The afternoon session saw limited running following incidents involving Lance Stroll and Alex Albon, with Norris maintaining his position at the top of the timing sheets ahead of Fernando Alonso and Piastri.
