Alpine’s return to Flavio Briatore marks a dramatic twist in their Formula 1 journey.
- After a rocky start to the 2024 season, Alpine found itself struggling with one of the slowest cars.
- Renault CEO Luca de Meo sought Briatore’s expertise after initially ignoring his advice.
- Briatore accepted the challenge, marking a comeback to a team he once led to seven world titles.
- The team now looks ahead to future podium finishes, with a promise of improvement by 2027.
The 2024 Formula 1 season has been anything but smooth for Alpine. The team faced significant changes in its racing personnel, which only added to the struggle of competing with a notably slow car. This development came as a surprise, considering Alpine’s storied past in Formula 1 under the name Renault, where Briatore led them to seven championship victories.
Despite Briatore’s previous counsel to Renault CEO Luca de Meo about the complexities of Formula 1, his advice went unheeded initially. However, as the team faced mounting challenges, de Meo reached out, admitting they were ‘completely in the sh*t’. The unexpected plea for help led to Briatore’s return, which he accepted under the condition of not attending every race or moving to England.
Briatore’s return comes with new strategies and leadership, including the appointment of Oliver Oakes as team principal. Together, the trio aims to restore Alpine’s competitive edge by focusing on team spirit and restructuring the organizational approach. This commitment to change is underscored by Briatore’s ambitious promise that Alpine will achieve a podium finish by 2027.
One interesting aspect of Alpine’s rebuild is the lessened focus on the driver lineup, with Briatore emphasizing that the current priority is enhancing the car’s performance. Though renowned driver Carlos Sainz was reportedly pursued, attention has now shifted to strengthening other facets of the team. This strategic realignment points to a broader vision where the technical and managerial elements are seen as crucial to success.
Currently, Alpine sits eighth in the Constructors’ Championship standings with just 11 points, reflecting the challenges they continue to face. As they endeavor to climb higher in the standings, the spotlight remains on Briatore’s leadership and whether his bold predictions will materialize.
Alpine’s collaboration with Flavio Briatore heralds a potentially transformative chapter in the team’s Formula 1 saga.
