Flavio Briatore’s presence within the Method 1 paddock might break up opinion – however the Italian is aware of find out how to win and now he insists Alpine has “no excuses” to not goal victories in 2026 and titles following season.
The controversial 75-year-old is an government advisor to Alpine, however has taken on extra tasks since Oliver Oakes left his function as workforce principal earlier this month.
It has been a tricky begin to 2025 for Alpine, which has scored simply seven factors to this point and took the choice to drop Jack Doohan in favour of Franco Colapinto after the Miami Grand Prix.
Now although, Briatore desires to see Alpine difficult on the entrance of the sphere when 2026 and its sweeping rule adjustments arrive.
“In 2026, we will win races, I assure it, and in 2027, we need to be title contenders,” he advised Le Monde.
“In 2026, there will probably be no excuses: we should be aggressive. We owe it to Renault [parent company], to Alpine…we’re on this sport to win, and with the brand new laws coming in 2026, the groups that interpret them finest can have the sting.”
Pierre Gasly, Alpine
Photograph by: Toshifumi Kitamura – AFP – Getty Photos
Briatore is pinning a big a part of his hopes on Alpine’s change to Mercedes energy subsequent yr, after Renault introduced it’s going to depart F1 on the finish of 2025.
“The best approach to win is to signal Max Verstappen, however we will’t. So we’ve to work with what we’ve received,” he added.
“Selecting to change to Mercedes energy was a really tough resolution, however on this sport, to win, you have to have the identical instruments because the others. For one million causes rooted previously, we have been at a drawback in that space.”
Having beforehand labored for the Enstone-based squad, Briatore guided the workforce to a few constructors’ titles working with the likes of Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso – however he was then banned from F1 for all times within the wake of the 2009 ‘Crashgate’ scandal.
That call was overturned within the French courts and, whereas his title stays the identical, he has now all-but changed Oakes – even when he at the moment can’t be appointed as workforce boss.
“Oli was dealing with all operational issues, however he’s not with us. I’m now 100% dedicated and surrounded by a really sturdy workforce throughout all departments — technical, industrial, and administration,” Briatore defined.
“It’s extra work, positive, however that’s not an issue. I’ve received loads of time. As for the workforce principal licence, it’s a element — I might get it tomorrow if I wished.
“Everybody thought there was a rift between Oli and me. However when I’ve a problem with somebody, everybody is aware of — I converse up and act instantly. If I say there’s no drawback, it’s as a result of there isn’t one.”
Learn Additionally:
On this article
Fabien Gaillard
Method 1
Alpine
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