Briatore Takes Charge at Alpine Amidst Leadership Changes
Flavio Briatore has stepped up as the new face of Alpine F1, following the resignation of Oliver Oakes. Although he has not been formally appointed as team principal, his influence in this capacity has been made clear, both in strategy and public representation.
During an official FIA press conference, Briatore, who resumed his role as an advisor to the team, exuded confidence and humor. Addressing his return, he humorously noted, “You say 12 months, but it’s only been 10. My payslip shows only 10 months!” This quip set the tone for a session that highlighted both his characteristic flair and a newfound openness to public scrutiny.
When questioned about Oakes’ departure and the search for his successor, Briatore responded light-heartedly alongside Red Bull’s Christian Horner, who jested about the need for a “cheap” hire. Briatore agreed, adding, “Cheap – someone cheap!” However, he later emphasized the seriousness of the search, stating the need for someone with the right skills and team spirit, promising, “We’ll make a decision soon.”
The conference featured a lively atmosphere, marked by Briatore’s playful exchanges with journalists, though he was evasive when asked about potential drivers, particularly in reference to Mick Schumacher. His straightforward dismissal of the topic indicated a focus on present objectives rather than speculation.
Transitioning to current team matters, Briatore addressed Franco Colapinto’s promotion to replace Jack Doohan. He conveyed a sense of urgency regarding evaluations, stating, “If Colapinto performs well, he’ll be in the car. If not, we’ll see.” He emphasized that 2025 will be a critical year for preparations leading into the 2026 season, implying that additional driver evaluations and experiments may be on the horizon.
In closing, Briatore remarked, “It depends purely on performance, and nothing else,” reaffirming his reputation for decisiveness in a highly competitive environment, reminiscent of his storied past in Formula 1.
