Italian and French media report that Flavio Briatore is to take on a role at Alpine – Is he the solution for Alpine to turn things around?
Alpine is treading water in Formula 1, unable to meet expectations. That is why the racing team could now bring an old acquaintance back into the paddock: Flavio Briatore. Italian and French media are reporting that the ex-Renault team boss is to take on a role at Alpine to help the racing team get back on its feet
According to Corriere della Serra and L’Equipe, the 74-year-old is said to have been summoned by Renault managing director Luca De Meo. The brand wants to persuade Briatore to drive the development of the racing team forward in an advisory capacity. He is to help with personnel decisions and also supervise the engine factory in Viry-Chatillon.
Alpine has neither confirmed nor denied Briatore’s return. In a statement, it said: “As a team, we are in contact with numerous experts from the sport to improve our performance. We are considering all possible inputs and are relying on the advice of experts who have already been successful. However, we will not talk about individuals.”
A lot has happened at Alpine in the last ten months: De Meo first fired brand boss Laurent Rossi, then team boss Otmar Szafnauer. Sports Director Alan Permane also had to take his hat off before the Belgian Grand Prix. It didn’t help, as the development of the car for the 2024 season went in the wrong direction, which is why a downward trend can be seen.
Further personnel changes were the result: Head of Engineering Matt Harman and Head of Aerodynamics Dirk de Beer had to leave the team in March. Interim team boss Bruno Famin then set up a technical structure with three focal points, following the example of McLaren. David Sanchez is now responsible for technical issues.
Alpine has recently made progress: Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly are no longer bringing up the rear in qualifying because they can keep up with Haas and Williams. In Monaco, Gasly scored points for Alpine for the second time in the 2024 season, despite surviving a controversial collision with his teammate.
Nevertheless, it is said that De Meo is far from satisfied with Alpine’s results, which is why further changes are expected in the Formula 1 team. But does it help to bring a provocative and controversial figure like Briatore out of the closet?
He could also cause frustration among the rank and file. On the plus side, Briatore has won titles with Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso. However, he was banned from the paddock due to the 2008 Crashgate scandal in Singapore. He has been allowed back on the racetrack since 2013
