Flavio Briatore aims big for Alpine F1. The Italian assures us: he did not come to Enstone to bury Renault's F1 project, but rather to put the yellow brand back at the top of the discipline.
But for now, Briatore wants to be realistic: in a period of stability of the regulations, next year, the objectives will be measured. They are even minimal: keep the top 6 in the manufacturers' ranking. Not even a top 5?
“Alpine must still be in the top six next year,” Briatore said. “Maybe a podium from time to time. »
“We need to improve our car to achieve this. It should be possible. Aerodynamically we have a lot more room to maneuver than Ferrari or McLaren. »
“We have taken a big step forward in our development and have improved to reach the same level as Haas and RB F1,” he pointed out.
“But it was already a step for 2025. It would not have been worth the effort for a few races in 2024.
“We had actually already given up on that year. This is why I told the engineers: we will only make changes if it helps us next year. »
A title in 2027?
Like other teams (Williams, Aston Martin F1, etc.) Alpine F1 is counting on 2026 and the new regulations to make a big leap forward. The team will then have the Mercedes power unit.
And with that, Briatore is aiming for much higher goals for 2026 and 2027!
“In 2026 we want to be on the podium in 50% of all races”.
“Then you automatically win one or two races. In 2027 we must be able to fight for the title. »
Sainz did not believe in the Alpine F1 project: a broom!
And to glean podiums and victories, why did you prefer the beginner Jack Doohan to the experienced Carlos Sainz who was available on the market? Flavio Briatore also tackles the Spaniard!
“I spoke to Sainz. He interested us, but only for four years. »
“It makes no sense to take a driver like Carlos for one or two years. Either he believes in our program or he doesn't. »
“I don't need a driver who costs me a lot of money and is looking to go to another team as soon as the opportunity arises. »
Viry, a handicap?
The choice to abandon the Renault power unit was debated, but the Italian fully accepts it.
And words are hard for Viry!
“With Luca [De Meo, PDG de Renault]I now have the opportunity to do everything we want to do in the next three to five years,” he explained.
“The first step was to get rid of our own engine. This means that we are saying goodbye to something that only costs us money and gives us nothing. »
“Mercedes will give us the best engine and gearbox on the market in 2026.”
“If you want to win, 80 to 90 percent of your components have to be the best. You don't need disabilities. »
“In 2002, Renault had a very good engine. It was so good that we were even able to sell it to Red Bull later. And the gearbox? It can't make you win races, it can only make you lose them. »
For Briatore, isn't Alpine F1 in a much worse situation than in 2002, when Renault took charge of the Benetton project?
“It's comparable to 2002. But we are in a better position with Alpine than with Renault at the time. »
“The team was in total disorganization in 2002. Everyone was arguing with everyone. »
