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Alpine's new executive advisor, Flavio Briatore talked about how he wants to nurture drivers into being fast rather than pouring money to buy already fast racers from the paddock. He also boasted that he successfully nurtured the likes of Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso in the past.
Briatore is no stranger to F1. He started his career in Benetton as a managing director, where he worked with young Michael Schumacher and helped him win his first championship. Schumacher went on to win seven world titles, two with Benetton and five with Ferrari.
Later on, the Italian also worked with young Fernando Alonso as his manager and gradually helped him rise to success as well. Alonso won the 2005 and 2006 F1 championships.
Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport on 14th September, Flavio Briatore claimed that Alpine has talented drivers he is willing to nurture rather than buying expensive drivers from the market. He hoped that the team's junior, Jack Doohan, would have a great run in his debut F1 season in 2025, as he replaces Esteban Ocon, who goes to Haas next year.
"We already have good and fast drivers, the problem is the car. I am not buying pilots, I always like them to grow at home. I did that with Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso, who are not exactly two types. I believe and hope that Doohan can give us guarantees in 2025," Briatore said (translated from Italian).
After several internal struggles and a mass exodus of senior members, Alpine decided to bring back one of their best yet most controversial figures to the team, Flavio Briatore. He was announced as a special supervisor to the team in May 2024 and was appointed personally by Renault CEO, Luca de Meo.
Flavio Briatore boasts his effect on Alpine's work ethic and his vision for the team
Flavio Briatore recently talked about how the work ethic inside Alpine has changed after he entered the team as a special supervisor.
Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, he claimed that when he once arrived at the factory late at night, around 80 people were still working. He also claims that he knows how to win championships with less budget than his rivals and hopes to make the Enstone team great again.
"I am more focused on teamwork. One night I went to the factory and saw about 80 people working. Until a few months ago none of this had happened. I've always won titles with 30% less budget than rivals and I have not forgotten the magic formula. Now, I've put my helmets back to listen to the guys in the garage and I'm ready to make Alpine big again," Briatore said.
As of now, Alpine stands in ninth place in the constructors' championship with only 13 points. They are second last in the table, with only Sauber behind them with zero points.
