Flavio Briatore sets clear target for Alpine in 2026
Flavio Briatore believes that Alpine must have a competitive season in 2026 and "see the podium at least from time to time" if they are to achieve their goal of fighting for victories, and even titles, from 2027 onwards.
It’s been almost a year since Flavio Briatore returned to Formula 1 as an executive advisor for the team based in Enstone, one of the many restructurings at Alpine in recent years.
A complete restructuring
Asked during the Spanish Grand Prix about the assessment since his return, the Italian acknowledged that the team still needs time to put all the elements in place.
« We are back in business with Alpine, » explained Flavio Briatore. « It’s not easy, because the team has gone through a lot of changes, especially in the last four or five years, not just recently. But little by little, we are trying to bring the team together, to bring in the right people. »
« We also look towards next year – with the new Mercedes-Benz engine and gearbox. That’s our goal for next year. In the meantime, we need to become more competitive. Currently, we are not as competitive as I would like, but it takes time. »
Sitting next to Christian Horner (Red Bull team principal) at the press conference, Flavio Briatore continued: « You see this maestro next to me, it takes a lot of time to build a winning car, a winning team. I know, I’ve done it before. I hope I can do it again. »
Objective 2027 for Alpine
Having recently stated that he wants the team to fight for victories and titles in 2027, Flavio Briatore was asked if Alpine had everything needed to achieve that.
« You also need a dream, you know, » he replied. « In Formula 1, we also dream of doing this job. We hope. And at the moment, the team is still quite young. It doesn’t perform as I would like because there are still… a lot of things are not clear internally. »
« But we must put things in order. Before we start performing as I expect, I think we need the whole year 2025, and we need to be competitive in 2026, to at least see the podium up close from time to time. That’s what we are aiming for. »
« And why not 2027? Look at what happened to Red Bull. Look at the other teams. It also depends on the type of driver we’ll have in 2027 », he announces.
Another challenge for Alpine currently: the recruitment of a new Team Principal, following the resignation of Oliver Oakes in May. In the meantime, Flavio Briatore is acting in this role.
Regarding the progress in the search for his successor, he stated: « We are looking. For now, nothing has changed. I am sorry for Ollie, sincerely, because I had a very good relationship with him. He was a good team principal. »
« Everyone knows that, for personal reasons, he decided to leave Alpine. We are looking. We don’t want to make a mistake. I’m ready to take my time. But as soon as we’ve decided who the new team boss is, we will let you know », he concluded.
