Flavio Briatore's return to Alpine F1 has sparked discussions within the Formula 1 community, with many noting a renewed sense of purpose in the French team.

As an executive advisor, Briatore is recognized for his practical approach to management, which has gained the approval of team figures, including Guenther Steiner, the Haas F1 team manager.

Steiner has commended Briatore’s focus, stating that he avoids unnecessary distractions and centers on essential tasks.

Alpine F1, struggling for direction in recent years, has experienced instability due to frequent changes and a lack of a clear vision.

Steiner highlighted these challenges by remarking that the team had been devoid of a coherent direction, noting, "There was no vision, just people doing work." Briatore's entry appears to signify a turning point, as he questions the roles and productivity of team members, identifying inefficiencies within the operation.

Briatore is renowned for his clear and decisive approach, seeking to streamline efforts and eliminate ambiguity in team roles.

His philosophy prioritizes efficiency: "If you are good, you stay; if you are not, you leave." This approach has been evident in his management of drivers, including Franco Colapinto, who had previously received little attention from other teams.

In an interview, Briatore expressed measured optimism about Alpine’s future following a tumultuous 2024 season.

The team is set to undergo a strategic reorganization in preparation for 2025, with aspirations of reaching the podium by 2027. Briatore has detailed the team's evaluations of past shortcomings and emphasized the progress made in establishing a structured framework.

Looking ahead, Alpine aims to secure a top-six finish in the championship by 2025 while targeting podium placements.

Briatore estimates that the team possesses more aerodynamic potential than competitors like McLaren and Ferrari.

By 2026, Alpine plans to consistently contend for podiums in half of the races, with the ultimate objective for 2027 being to compete for the championship title.

Support for Briatore’s vision comes from Gerhard Berger, a former Alpine driver, who believes Briatore is well-suited to lead the team during this phase of development.

Highlighting the transformation in Alpine's strategy, Berger noted the decision to switch to Mercedes engines in 2026 as potentially advantageous.

However, Oliver Oakes, the team principal, has tempered expectations for immediate results in 2025, acknowledging that there is no quick fix to the challenges the team faces.

He indicated that substantial progress may take some time, emphasizing the significance of 2026 in determining Alpine's future trajectory.