Flavio Briatore has taken small but significant steps to help Alpine rise from its struggles and replicate the success achieved during the 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix in the future. Here are the statements from the Italian advisor on the team’s next steps.
The 2024 season certainly can’t be considered one of Alpine’s best, except for the Brazilian Grand Prix, where Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon both climbed onto the podium behind winner Max Verstappen. A key factor in reviving the team, led by young team principal Oliver Oakes, has been the return of Flavio Briatore, who had been removed from the F1 scene back in 2009.
““It didn’t take a genius to realize that Alpine had hit rock bottom. When I arrived, the team had just two points in the standings ” said the Italian executive, who has held the role of Executive Advisor at Alpine since June. Briatore spoke to Auto Motor und Sport, revealing the team’s upcoming objectives, including the arrival of one of the six rookies, Jack Doohan, from next season, and the agreement with Mercedes for the supply of engines and gearboxes starting in 2026.
Briatore also drew comparisons with his previous experiences in Formula 1, when the team raced under the names Benetton and later Renault: “With Alpine, we’re in a better position than we were with Renault. In 2002, the team was in complete chaos. Everyone was arguing with everyone. With Luca [De Meo], I now have the opportunity to do everything we can imagine over the next three to five years. Next year, Alpine must always be in the top six, and maybe even fight for a few podiums “
“We have much more aerodynamic potential compared to McLaren and Ferrari. In 2026, we want to be competing for podiums in half of the races, and by 2027, we should be able to fight for the title. I have in mind my old team, Benetton. There, three or four people built something special […] With me, we have clear and simple management structures .”
So, Alpine has ambitious long-term goals, but these might not be far from reality, especially considering the first major step taken by Briatore to revive the team: the agreement with Mercedes for the supply of Power Units and gearboxes starting in 2026.
“We’re saying goodbye to something that was just a cost with no benefit. In 2026, Mercedes will provide us with the best engine and gearbox in the industry. If you want to win, 80-90% of your components need to be the best. The gearbox doesn’t win you races, but it could cause you to lose some. With the Mercedes engine, we have the foundation to win “.
“The French want to win, and with our engine, that’s not possible. It’s that simple. If we want to win, we must give up areas where we’re not competitive. McLaren won the championship with a Mercedes engine. How many times have you heard or read that McLaren-Mercedes became world champion? I’ve never heard that. Haas is Haas, not Haas-Ferrari ,” the Italian continued. However, the decision to become a customer team of Mercedes will result in the closure of the historic Viry department, a move that follows the philosophy that the end justifies the sacrifice, with the goal of restoring Alpine to its former glory.
Photo: Alpine F1 Team.