Flavio Briatore, iconic figure of Formula 1, recently expressed his frustration with the current situation of the Alpine team.
The former director of Renault F1, who led the French team to several world titles in the premier class of motorsport, is determined to turn things around after seeing the fall of the Enstone team.
Now F1 executive advisor for Renault, Flavio Briatore does not hide his ambition to restore past glory.
A glorious past, a disappointing present
At 74, Flavio Briatore has an impressive track record in Formula 1. He guided the team to four world titles: two with Michael Schumacher at Benetton in the 1990s, then two more with Fernando Alonso at Renault in the 2000s. However , when he joined Alpine recently, the team’s situation shocked him deeply.
“When I arrived at Alpine, I was furioushe explains. The team lacked motivation and organization.”
Known for his iron fist, Briatore intends to shake up the ranks. “We are restructuring and I am making sure everyone is on alert” he adds, emphasizing that it is difficult to do worse than the current situation.
Restructuring and uncertain future for Renault’s engine program
Although Briatore was not behind Renault’s decision to abandon its F1 engine program for 2026, he reiterated that he knows how to manage a team’s finances.
“I have won championships with 30% less budget than my competitors, and I have not forgotten the magic formula”
he declares.
This reorganization comes in a difficult 2024 season for Alpine. The two drivers, Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon, are struggling to obtain significant results. Additionally, Ocon will leave the team to join Haas in 2025.
Despite Briatore’s efforts to recruit Carlos Sainz as a replacement, the latter declined the offer. Alpine has therefore chosen to rely on the young Australian Jack Doohan to support Gasly in 2025.
The challenge of Jack Doohan and the shadow of Schumacher and Alonso
Flavio Briatore is confident about Jack Doohan’s abilities. He recalls that he has often trusted young talents, like Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso, and he hopes that Doohan will be able to establish himself in the same way. “I don’t buy pilots, I train them” he says.
However, Briatore has no illusions about the team’s current problems: “The problem is not the drivers, it’s the car.”
Aware of the technical challenges ahead, he attempted to recruit legendary engineer Adrian Newey, but discussions were unsuccessful. Nevertheless, Briatore remains focused on improving teamwork with one goal: to bring Alpine back to the forefront.
“I’m back in the pits, with my headphones, ready to make Alpine great again” he concludes.
