Flavio Briatore Takes on Key Role at Alpine
After Oliver Oakes stepped down, Flavio Briatore has assumed team principal responsibilities at Alpine, even though he doesn’t have the official title.
Public Face of Alpine
Briatore had already been influential behind the scenes as an advisor, but now he’s also representing the team publicly, making appearances at official FIA press conferences. His recent first appearance showcased his signature flamboyant style.
A Dynamic Press Conference
Typically, such conferences are formal and can be dull, but Briatore injected some excitement right from the start as he was introduced alongside Red Bull’s Christian Horner and Pirelli’s Mario Isola. When asked about his time back at Alpine, he humorously noted the discrepancy in his payslip: “You say 12 months, but it’s only been 10. My payslip shows only 10 months!”
Discussion of Succession
When the topic turned to finding a successor for Oakes, Horner chimed in with a light-hearted remark: “Cheap?” Briatore laughed and echoed, “Cheap – someone cheap!” He followed with a more serious note about looking for skilled individuals who understand the team dynamics.
Surprise Questions from the Floor
The atmosphere became lively, with audience questions directed at Briatore regarding whether Mick Schumacher could be an Alpine driver in 2025 or 2026. Briatore seemed uncomfortable with the question, responding, “I don’t understand why we’re talking about Schumacher now,” and dismissing it for another one.
Briatore’s Ruthless Reputation
The day continued to showcase Briatore’s candidness and refusal to shy away from tough questions, especially regarding Alpine’s driver lineup. He confirmed recent changes like Jack Doohan being replaced by Franco Colapinto but remained vague about future decisions. He emphasized that performance would dictate Colapinto’s position going forward.
Plans for the Future
Finally, Briatore stated that 2025 would serve as a preparatory year for 2026 and hinted at further “experiments” with drivers. His remarks showcased his relentless approach to ensuring Alpine’s growth and success in the sport, firmly establishing that performance, not personal ties, would guide team decisions.
