There were rumors that Alpine F1's move to Mercedes client status was the first step towards a future sale of the team, with a powertrain deal in place making a potential sale more attractive to any interest outside.
The team's advisor, Flavio Briatore, however, rejected this idea, wanting to focus on the present rather than the future – reiterating the decision made in the name of “efficiency” and competitiveness from the point of view from Alpine.
“I don’t understand this speculation about a sale.”
“Since I joined Renault, the same questions have always been asked. When we won the world championship title in 2005 and 2006, I was asked if Renault wanted to stay in Formula 1.
“The truth is that I always got what I needed for my job at Renault. They appreciate that I am careful with their money.”
“I believe in efficiency. That's why I now save money everywhere in areas that don't make my car faster.”
“I don't think about what I'll do in five, ten or twenty years. I decide what's important now.”
“What do we need? I think we have the recipe to win with 30 to 40 percent less money than the others.”
“At Benetton, it was 50% less. I know this team. That's why I came back. I wouldn't have done that with another team.”
