A few weeks ago, Flavio Briatore personally confirmed that Otro Capital, the investment consortium that acquired a 24% stake in the French team in 2023, “has held preliminary talks to sell its stake in the team”, the package former Red Bull team boss Horner is also keen on acquiring.

Now, reports suggest that Wolff is leading Mercedes' bid. Starting this year, Alpine also uses Mercedes power units, with a potential investment from Wolff and Mercedes would likely tighten the partnership even further.

The size of the rumoured Mercedes bid remains unclear. Furthermore, a deal would have to be signed off by the Renault Group.

Wolff and Horner have shared the stage for the past 15 years in a rivalry that produced some of the sport’s most memorable battles.

In one episode of the eighth season of the popular Netflix series, released on 27 February and focused on the departure of the now former Red Bull team principal and CEO, Horner is seen on camera reading a private message exchange between himself and the Austrian, in which the two bid each other a sporting farewell.

Horner then replied to Wolff’s message by reflecting on the fierce rivalry that defined their relationship over the years, noting how Red Bull and Mercedes had effectively dominated Formula 1 for much of the past 15 seasons.