Alpine Formula 1 Team in Crisis: Flavio Briatore’s Fury
Flavio Briatore, a seasoned figure in the world of Formula 1, recently expressed his deep disappointment and frustration with the current state of the Enstone-based Alpine team. The 74-year-old Italian, who previously led the team to four world championships, including two with Michael Schumacher and two with Fernando Alonso, revealed his emotions in a candid interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport in Baku.
Briatore highlighted the drastic changes in Formula 1 over the years, particularly in terms of costs, the number of races, and shifting audience perceptions, especially in the United States. Despite these changes, Briatore emphasized that the fundamental dynamics within the teams have remained relatively consistent. However, upon his return to Alpine, he was shocked and dismayed by the lack of motivation and direction within the team.
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Briatore vowed to shake things up at Alpine and instill a sense of urgency and purpose among team members. He expressed confidence in the restructuring process currently underway and played a key role in appointing Oliver Oakes as the new team boss, citing his successful track record with the Hitech F2 team.
Challenges Facing Alpine Drivers
The 2024 season has been a tough one for Alpine drivers Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon, with the latter set to depart for Haas in 2025. Despite efforts to recruit top talent like Carlos Sainz and Adrian Newey, Briatore has faced setbacks in bolstering the team’s lineup. Australian rookie Jack Doohan will join Gasly as his teammate for the 2025 season, with Briatore expressing optimism about his potential to deliver strong performances.
Briatore emphasized his preference for nurturing and developing talent within the team, citing his successful launches of Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso. He underscored the importance of having a competitive car to support the drivers’ efforts on the track and acknowledged the need for significant improvements in that area.
Reviving Alpine’s Glory
As Briatore continues to steer Alpine through its current challenges, he remains focused on fostering a culture of teamwork and excellence within the organization. Despite setbacks and obstacles, he is determined to restore Alpine to its former glory and position the team as a formidable force in the competitive world of Formula 1.
Reflecting on his role in bringing Formula 1 to Baku, Briatore highlighted his pivotal role in promoting the historic city to the global racing community. He praised the growth and success of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, attributing its popularity to his early efforts to showcase the city’s potential as a premier racing destination.
In conclusion, Flavio Briatore’s unwavering commitment to revitalizing Alpine and his strategic vision for the team’s future underscore his passion for the sport and his determination to overcome obstacles and achieve success. With a focus on talent development, teamwork, and innovation, Briatore aims to lead Alpine to new heights in the world of Formula 1.