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Flavio Briatore Rejects Claims of Major Star Role in Alpine F1 Revamp
Highlights
- Flavio Briatore rejects need for high-profile hires at Alpine.
- Briatore acts as team principal after 2025 reshuffle and departures.
- Alpine switched to Mercedes engines for 2026, improving performance.
- Pierre Gasly scored Alpine’s first dry podium since 2023 at Monaco.
- Rookie Franco Colapinto achieved six top-10 finishes this season.
- Alpine focuses on internal talent and teamwork for long-term growth.
Flavio Briatore rules out recruiting “monster high-profile” figures for Alpine’s rebuild, insisting Enstone will prioritise internal development as the team navigates the early phases of the 2026 season.
After Oliver Oakes departed in 2025, Briatore effectively assumed team principal duties, with Steve Nielsen running day-to-day operations. He returned in 2024 advising Luca de Meo, following disruptive leadership exits.
The technical structure features David Sanchez as executive technical director, supported by former FIA official Jason Sommerville. Ex-Ferrari engineer Dave Greenwood leads track operations as racing director.
Alpine switched from Renault works power to a Mercedes customer unit for 2026. The change delivers an immediate step, placing the team sixth, five points behind Racing Bulls at mid-season.
Switching to Mercedes power has underpinned Alpine’s 2026 upturn.
On track, Pierre Gasly secured third in Monaco, Alpine’s first dry-race podium since 2023. Rookie Franco Colapinto logged six top-10 finishes, headlined by sixth place in Canada.
Pierre Gasly’s Monaco podium ended Alpine’s dry-race rostrum drought dating back to 2023.
Briatore welcomes progress but warns the rebuild is incomplete. He targets steady gains across aerodynamics, mechanical platform, reliability, and operations, underpinned by a stable organisation after years of churn.
The philosophy favours experienced, capable contributors over marquee signings. Briatore argues outcomes hinge on collective execution, echoing his stance on the value of headline technical signings across the grid.
Alpine therefore focuses on building a cohesive group that matures together over two to three years, aligning with Briatore’s shift in approach since his return to influence.
“We want the right people, not a ‘monster’ name — performance comes from the group,” Briatore’s message runs.
He references earlier Benetton and Renault restructures, where difficult staff decisions improved effectiveness. The current plan also aims at boosting smaller F1 operations through clarity of roles and accountability.
The 2026 framework increases electrical deployment and tightens packaging demands. As a Mercedes customer, Alpine must excel in integration, cooling, and software to sustain development and minimise operational deficits.
The target is clear: consolidate the midfield, pressure fifth place, and maintain a rising trajectory. Briatore’s confidence rests on process discipline rather than expensive headline hires.
Visual Summary
Climbing as a Team
No “monster” hires. Alpine rises together.
No “monster” hires. Alpine rises together.
🏆 Monaco Podium (Gasly P3)
👶 Rookie Surges (Colapinto: 6x Top-10)
⚙️ Mercedes Power
5 pts off P5 in Constructors
5 pts off P5 in Constructors
“Strength is in the team, not the star.
We build for tomorrow by climbing, step by step, together.”
We build for tomorrow by climbing, step by step, together.”
Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.
