As Bruno Famin departs his role at Alpine, questions arise about his relationship with Flavio Briatore. However, Famin insists there’s no feud, although they admit to differing in management styles. His exit comes amid a major transformation at Alpine and Renault’s engine strategy shift. Famin now focuses on a broader technology role at Renault. Let’s dive into the details.
Bruno Famin recently addressed his relationship with Flavio Briatore, stressing there was no conflict despite their “different approach.” While rumors hinted at tension, Famin clarified that Briatore’s return was not to undermine him. They worked together smoothly at Alpine, even if their management styles varied slightly.
Famin’s leadership at Alpine came under scrutiny with sweeping changes initiated by Groupe Renault CEO Luca de Meo. The return of Briatore, a former Benetton/Renault icon known for past triumphs with Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso, raised eyebrows. Many speculated about Famin’s position, but he emphasized the main focus remained on Renault’s transition into a technology-centric entity, diverting from its sole F1 focus.
On the “Beyond the Grid” podcast, Famin remarked that the major story was Renault’s potential change in power unit strategy from 2026 onwards. He expressed that personal career moves paled in comparison to this monumental change affecting hundreds of employees. The shift suggests Alpine might become an engine customer team, marking a new era in their F1 involvement.
There was also the matter of dealing with a challenging F1 season start for Alpine. Famin acknowledged the initial disappointment as a catalyst for much-needed changes. Despite a rocky start, these adjustments were seen as necessary for Alpine’s growth and adaptation. The organization’s acknowledgment of these setbacks and its proactive approach to overhauling strategies underscored the ongoing shift in team dynamics.
In various interactions, Famin showed a willingness to embrace these transformations, seeing them as an opportunity to enhance both personal and professional avenues. The excitement over turning Viry into a technology hub was palpable. Famin found no issue stepping down from the Alpine role, especially when considering the broader impact and potential success of restructuring efforts within Renault.
In sum, as Alpine gears up for change, Famin’s departure marks a step towards a reshaped future, blending new strategy with historical strengths.
