The recent announcements from the Red Bull clan around the promotion of Liam Lawson within its number one structure and the tenure of Frenchman Isack Hadjar at Racing Bulls have put an end to the transfer market. Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan will defend the colors of Alpine for what will be the last season of the Renault engine. If it will remain a sporting issue in 2025 for the A arrow, the French team is mainly thinking about 2026, and is wondering about the best composition to represent it on the track. And young people are of particular interest.
There is a sense of change in Formula 1. Next season, six drivers including Jack Doohan will complete their first full year in the discipline. This, without taking into account the notable absence of Franco Colapinto. The Argentinian was one of the revelations of the 2024 campaign, starting at short notice to replace a very disappointing Logan Sargeant at Williams. His performances were appreciated, to the point of attracting the interest of several teams, including Alpine.
The Renault Group's factory team studied the possibility of signing Franco Colapinto, even after announcing the tenure of Jack Doohan. Under contract with Williams, the Argentinian was not easy to release, with a large sum to pay. Alpine could nevertheless seriously consider its candidacy for 2026. However, it is not the only one. Tested in Abu Dhabi and newly named reserve, Paul Aron is a real hope, after an impressive first season in Formula 2.
Barely launched into the deep end during the last event of 2024, Jack Doohan is already under pressure. The Australian has gained time and will start the 2025 season well, but he will have to quickly find rhythm, because Flavio Briatore will not show feelings. At his side, Pierre Gasly convinced the Italian and established himself as the great spearhead of Alpine. The French will be able to use the next campaign to consolidate their leadership.
“Pierre did an incredible job”estimates Flavio Briatore. “And also Jack Doohan [à Abu Dhabi]it wasn't so bad for a first race, it was good. We have to stay strong together, have a few more experienced people in the team. But I love this team, […]and with Pierre, I really discovered a great driver. “
“Colapinto surprised everyone”continues the Italian on behalf of Auto Motor Und Sport. » But we have contracts with Gasly, Doohan and Aron for next season. If there was an opportunity to get Colapinto for 2026, it should be considered. However, one must always be careful when evaluating drivers, […]today there are six to seven promising drivers in Formula 2 and Formula 3. We want to focus on the good ones from our academy and no longer race with a watering can. It will probably come down to three drivers. Aron, Mini and Martins. »:
Alpine had also positioned itself on Carlos Sainz Jr, free after having been dismissed by Ferrari for 2025. The A arrow proposed a long-term project to the Spaniard, but the latter in reality hopes to quickly find one of the teams of current peaks, and therefore did not wish to commit, less than a one-year contract. An unwanted approach by Flavio Briatore.
“I spoke to Sainz. He was interesting for 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 think I need a driver who costs me a lot of money and who is looking to join another team when the opportunity arises.”estimates the Italian. “It's time for a generational change. Sainz is a very good driver. But when he was on the market, none of the top teams signed him. They prefer to go for young drivers.”
Alpine therefore wants to bet on the future, as Flavio Briatore has often done in the past. We will remember Michael Schumacher – World Champion, among others, with Renault in 1995 -, and of course Fernando Alonso. Finding a rare pearl on which the arrow A could build a new History is one of the Italian's motivations. This could be with Pierre Gasly or/and one of the young people mentioned.
This glorious past is also one of Flavio Briatore's sources of inspiration. Luca de Meo's right-hand man is trying to establish a new state of mind at Enstone. To do this, and beyond initiating a reorganization, simple actions allow us to remember good times and instill motivation in all employees.
“Everyone must always have the goal in mind, the past is part of the present”explains Flavius Briatore. “That's why I had the world champion cars from 1995 and 2006 and all the world champion trophies placed in the Enstone lobby and the car from the previous year was removed. Monday , our employees come to the factory, see what this team has accomplished and are ready to work three extra hours.
“The atmosphere and motivation are much better today than five months ago. Just look at the faces of the people at the factory. There is a completely different spirit than the one I experienced at the beginning You motivate employees with two things: money and success.”continues the Italian.
It is true that Alpine had an excellent end to the 2024 season, with a car capable of competing in the top 10, scoring big points and seizing opportunities when they present themselves. The final sixth place in the constructors' championship confirms this progress, and suggests that 2025 could be interesting. However, this positive development is not only due to a better state of mind, it is also a more efficient organization.
“You need the right people in leadership positions”considers Flavio Briatore. “They can do whatever they want in their field as long as they get results. Otherwise, that's where I come in. I'm a democratic dictator. I trust people as long as they deliver. If they are bad, I change them. Bad people infect everyone who works under them. So they think: why should I work for someone who is worse than me?
“I will be in Enstone three days a week in winter. That's enough. I'm not going there to show my face. Something has to come of it. I'm meeting the heads of our departments there and checking whether the goals are achieved. In the end, I am only responsible to Luca de Meo. I owe him the success. He is a motorsport fan. He wants to win. Schweitzer and Carlos Ghosn, with whom I've had relationships in the past”he adds.
Flavio Briatore considers that the strong heads of Alpine are good and can represent the future of the team in Formula 1. Like the drivers, the Italian wants to find the engineers of tomorrow, and is not necessarily looking to recruit names. Adrian Newey, for example, could have been an option, but the most famous designer represents a huge cost.
“You need a team director and a technical director to implement them, […]now we have a good team under the leadership of our technical director David Sanchez, a mix of people from the past and young engineers. We need to build the new Ross Brawn, Rory Byrne and Pat Symonds from this.”explains Flavius Briatore.
“Adrian is an artist”he continues. “We are not yet ready for someone like him. To benefit from him, you have to have the right team around him. Maybe we will be ready in two or three years. That's why I didn't give him a never spoke seriously.
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