F1
“A new version ofAlpine » will emerge in 2026, says Flavio Briatore
© Xavi Bonilla / DPPI
Two months after his arrival at Alpine, Flavio Briatore really took matters into his own hands. With the departure of Bruno Famin at the head of the stable F1 et the expected end of the engine program in 2026 to partner with Mercedes, the Italian has already put his paw on enstone, and it moves! The objective: to become competitive as quickly as possible, with the 2026 season and its technical revolution in the sights.
However, before thinking about 2026, we must first think about 2025 and in particular in terms of the crew. If Pierre Gasly extended his contract with Alpine, the departure ofEsteban Ocon in Haas leaves a free seat for next season. Carlos Sainz was the preferred target, but the signing of the Spaniard at Williams opens the way to other possibilities. At the top of the list, Jack Doohan, reserve pilot of A fléché… whose manager is none other than Flavio Briatore! However, according to the Italian leader, the choice of pilot is not the current priority in the French clan.
Briatore sets an appointment in two years
“I promise you: give me two years. In two years we will go on the podiums, he said in the Formula For Success podcast, presented by David Coulthard and Eddie Jordan. Before thinking about the pilot, it is necessary to put together the team, from a commercial, technical and managerial point of view. [With a bad car] the driver doesn't make a difference today. The difference will be made in [2026, 2027, 2028], this is what should make the difference for the pilot. »
The 2025 season would then be a year of transition for Alpine, which is already preparing for the next campaign with developments planned from 2024. Playing on the podiums in two years would then be the culmination of a completely new project for a transformed team, affirms Flavio Briatore. “If you have a good car, you need a good driver [but] if the car is not performing... Our goal at the moment is to make sure that we put all our energy into the technical side and that L'Alpine get better and improve for next year. In 2026, I think we will see the new version ofAlpine », assures the 74-year-old man.
ALSO READ > A big development to come for Alpine, looking towards 2025
Dorian Grangier
A young journalist nostalgic for the motorsport of yesteryear. Raised on the exploits of Sébastien Loeb and Fernando Alonso.
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Yves-Henri RANDIER
16/08/2024 at 11:13 a.m.
“Il Magnifico” Flavio also known as the king of cheats... or how to quickly promise the moon to a great captain of industry! I would be very curious to know what it costs Renault Group because it doesn't work for the beauty of the gesture, that would obviously be known...