Flavio Briatore: “We’re rebuilding, but we don’t want to make any mistakes”
Almost a year after his return to F1 as executive advisor to Alpine, Flavio Briatore spoke in Barcelona about the team's challenges, future recruitment, young drivers and his ambitions for 2027. True to form: forthright, confident and occasionally provocative.
Flavio Briatore reminded right away: his return to Enstone hasn’t even been a year. It’s 10 months, not 11. I see my paycheck, it’s only 10 months! But already, the strongman of Benetton and Renault in the 1990s-2000s has begun transforming a team in crisis.
The team has gone through many changes, not just recently. Little by little, we’re trying to rebuild it. One goal for 2027: believe… or go home.
The vision is clear: Alpine aims for podiums starting in 2026, and a title in 2027. An ambition that Briatore embraces: « In Formula 1, you have to dream as well. […] I prefer to believe that in 2027 we will be competitive. Otherwise, it’s better to stay on the beach with a Coca-Cola instead of sweating here in Barcelona. »
However, he acknowledges that the conditions are not yet in place: « Many things within the team are still unclear. We need to clarify everything first in order to perform. »
Replacement of Ollie Oakes: caution and demand
A month after Ollie Oakes left his position as team director, Alpine still hasn’t named a successor. A deliberate slowness. « We don’t want to make a mistake. I’m willing to take the time. »
But what is the ideal profile for this position? « Someone good, who understands the team and wants to be a part of it. There are interested people, we will decide quickly. »
On the question of Franco Colapinto’s future or a possible return of Mick Schumacher, Briatore remains firm: « If Colapinto performs, he stays. Otherwise, we will see. […] For Mick, that’s not the question to ask here. »
Regarding Pierre Gasly, the caution is the same: « If we don’t give him a competitive car, it’s difficult to judge his level. Let’s build him a good car first. »
Salary of Pilots and Cost of F1: Rant
Clear about the limits of the current system, Briatore advocates for a budget cap reform. The budget cap was a very good idea. But the drivers’ salaries must be included. A firm opinion, in line with his unchanged frankness.
If he regrets the departure of some historic circuits, he is delighted with the global media boom. Before, in America, we used to race in front of horses. Now, we have Miami, Vegas, young fans, sponsors… it’s fantastic for F1.
