Toto Wolff Backs Idea of Formula One Veterans Joining Forces for Alpine Takeover
Toto Wolff has expressed support for the possibility of a notable trio from Formula One’s past—Christian Horner, Bernie Ecclestone, and Flavio Briatore—coming together to acquire the Alpine team.
When questioned about the idea at the Dutch Grand Prix, Wolff admitted that while the scenario seems improbable, he would welcome it. Reports have suggested Horner is exploring the option, provided he secures the necessary funding.
“If such an intriguing project were to happen, seeing these three figures reunite would certainly make for compelling drama. The seasoned veterans, the shark pack—three sharks,” Wolff remarked.
Horner recently left his position at Red Bull, while Ecclestone, F1’s former longtime leader, has not been directly involved since Liberty Media assumed control in 2017. Briatore currently serves as an executive adviser to Alpine and maintains close ties with both Horner and Ecclestone.
“It would be a fascinating development and generate significant interest in the sport,” Wolff added. “Formula One thrives on strong personalities and intense competition. Reflecting on past eras with figures like Frank Williams, Ron Dennis, Flavio, and Luca di Montezemolo, perhaps we need more of that energy today.”
On the track during first practice at Zandvoort, McLaren continued to show strong form, with Lando Norris leading teammate Oscar Piastri by two-tenths of a second in windy, cool conditions along the North Sea coast. Rain intermittently interrupted the session, a trend expected to continue through the weekend and potentially influence race day.
Red Bull’s difficulties persisted at Max Verstappen’s home circuit, where he has historically performed well, winning three of the last four races. The Dutch driver finished first practice in sixth, nearly a second behind Norris, and had an off-track moment as the session concluded.
In the afternoon session, which saw limited running due to incidents involving Lance Stroll and Alex Albon, Norris remained fastest, narrowly ahead of Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin. Piastri took third, Verstappen secured fifth, and Lewis Hamilton ended in sixth.
Read next
Andreeva's French Open victory highlights the impact of Martínez and women coaches
Conchita Martínez was describing her player’s journey to a maiden grand-slam title when Mirra Andreeva interrupted. Accompanied by officials and a staff member holding the Coupe Suzanne-Lenglen, the new French Open champion entered the room to cause mischief.
Andreeva asked, “What is the best thing about working with Mirra
Lewis Hamilton confident he is nearing first victory with Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton believes a victory for Ferrari is possible following his second-place finish at the Monaco Grand Prix. The seven-time champion is determined to pursue Kimi Antonelli, the current Formula One leader who secured another win in Monte Carlo.
Driving for Mercedes, Antonelli dominated the race, maintaining his lead through
Hodgkinson: Shock loss will fuel my pursuit of 800m world record this summer
In a dramatic event in Stockholm, Audrey Werro recorded the fastest 800m time seen since the Cold War era, defeating Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson. Werro finished in 1min 53.98sec, marking the third fastest time in history. She now trails only Jarmila Kratochvilova’s 1983 world record of 1:53.