Flavio Briatore Returns to Formula 1 with Ambitious Plans for Alpine
The veteran team principal outlines his aspirations for Alpine amid a strategy shift to Mercedes engines by 2026.
Flavio Briatore, the 75-year-old Italian businessman, has made a notable return to the world of Formula 1 after a 15-year hiatus.
During the Monaco Grand Prix weekend, he expressed his satisfaction at reentering the sport, citing his departure in 2009 due to controversies surrounding the Singapore Grand Prix.
He noted that the decision made by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile regarding his exit was later annulled, and he successfully received damages.
Briatore has assumed an unofficial role as team principal of Alpine and proclaimed his commitment to the team, stating, 'I am 100% invested.' He laid out his ambitious goals for Alpine, asserting, 'In 2026, we can win races, I affirm! And in 2027, we aim to compete for the world championship.' This confidence is notably tied to Alpine's strategic decision to transition from Renault power units to Mercedes engines starting in 2026.
The decision to adopt Mercedes engines has been described by Briatore as a challenging yet necessary step.
He emphasized that several competitive teams, including McLaren, Williams, Aston Martin, and titles holders Mercedes, utilize the same engine, signifying a strategic alignment with top-performing teams in the grid.
Briatore also expressed optimism regarding Alpine's driver lineup, particularly highlighting Pierre Gasly's potential.
He considers Gasly capable of performing at a top level, stating, 'With a better car and greater focus, he can be that driver.' He ranked Gasly among the elite, placing him alongside Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc.
Drawing from his extensive experience, which includes securing seven world championships with drivers like Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso, Briatore shares his management philosophy: 'Sports is about managing people.' However, he cautioned against expecting immediate results, explaining, 'People always expect miracles, but miracles are for God to perform.'
During the Monaco Grand Prix weekend, he expressed his satisfaction at reentering the sport, citing his departure in 2009 due to controversies surrounding the Singapore Grand Prix.
He noted that the decision made by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile regarding his exit was later annulled, and he successfully received damages.
Briatore has assumed an unofficial role as team principal of Alpine and proclaimed his commitment to the team, stating, 'I am 100% invested.' He laid out his ambitious goals for Alpine, asserting, 'In 2026, we can win races, I affirm! And in 2027, we aim to compete for the world championship.' This confidence is notably tied to Alpine's strategic decision to transition from Renault power units to Mercedes engines starting in 2026.
The decision to adopt Mercedes engines has been described by Briatore as a challenging yet necessary step.
He emphasized that several competitive teams, including McLaren, Williams, Aston Martin, and titles holders Mercedes, utilize the same engine, signifying a strategic alignment with top-performing teams in the grid.
Briatore also expressed optimism regarding Alpine's driver lineup, particularly highlighting Pierre Gasly's potential.
He considers Gasly capable of performing at a top level, stating, 'With a better car and greater focus, he can be that driver.' He ranked Gasly among the elite, placing him alongside Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc.
Drawing from his extensive experience, which includes securing seven world championships with drivers like Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso, Briatore shares his management philosophy: 'Sports is about managing people.' However, he cautioned against expecting immediate results, explaining, 'People always expect miracles, but miracles are for God to perform.'