Briatore Resumes Leadership Role at Alpine Amid Team Changes
Following the resignation of Oliver Oakes, Flavio Briatore has stepped into a pivotal role at Alpine, taking on team principal responsibilities despite lacking the official title. Previously an influential advisor, Briatore now publicly represents the French-owned F1 team, making his debut in an FIA press conference alongside Red Bull’s Christian Horner and Pirelli’s Mario Isola.
Briatore brought his signature flair to the conference, responding to questions with characteristic humor. When asked about his tenure, he joked, “You say 12 months, but it’s only been 10. My payslip shows only 10 months!” This light-heartedness contrasted against the backdrop of serious team transitions.
Addressing Oakes’ exit and the search for a successor, Horner quipped that Briatore might prefer someone "cheap." Briatore humorously confirmed, “Cheap – someone cheap!” However, he emphasized the need for a skilled successor who understands team dynamics.
The conference took a more serious turn when Briatore was queried about the potential recruitment of Mick Schumacher. He dismissed the inquiry, expressing confusion about its relevance, and cut off further probing, stating, “Next question!”
Despite the conference’s comedic tone, Briatore’s statements reflected a strategic mindset. The team recently replaced Jack Doohan with Franco Colapinto, though Briatore offered vague expectations about Colapinto’s future, hinting at a performance-based evaluation process. “If Colapinto performs well, he’ll be in the car. If not, we’ll see,” he remarked, indicative of his ruthless approach to driver selection.
Looking ahead, Briatore suggested that 2025 will serve as a preparatory year for 2026, hinting at further experimentation and potential driver changes to optimize performance.
As Briatore continues to influence Alpine’s trajectory, the emphasis on performance and strategic decisions will be paramount as the team navigates this transitional phase.
