Renault’s once-mighty Formula 1 legacy has been eroded, leaving what was once France’s finest motorsport effort teetering on the edge of obscurity. The rebranding to Alpine, under the guidance of Luca de Meo, marked the beginning of a series of missteps that have led to the current state of disarray. The brand that once dominated the sport, with 169 Grand Prix victories and two World Championships, now finds itself struggling to regain its former glory.
In a candid conversation on the Formula For Success podcast with Eddie Jordan, Flavio Briatore, the man who orchestrated Renault’s golden years with Fernando Alonso’s back-to-back World Championships in 2005 and 2006, revealed how he was drawn back into the fold. Briatore’s return as Special Advisor to the Alpine F1 Team came after a call from de Meo, who admitted that the team was in deep trouble. Briatore recounted the conversation: “Luca called me and said they are completely in the sh!t with the team. I told him that Formula 1 is a different business—one that requires a dedicated spirit, not a corporate bureaucracy.”
Briatore’s comeback represents a full-circle moment for the Italian, who remains a controversial figure due to his involvement in the notorious Crashgate scandal. Yet, his track record of success with Renault is undeniable, and he now faces the daunting task of rebuilding a team that has been systematically dismantled. Briatore’s approach is clear: focus on restructuring the team, not just in terms of personnel but also in spirit and culture. He emphasized that Formula 1 success cannot be achieved with a corporate mentality—it requires passion, dedication, and a clear vision.
One of Briatore’s first moves was appointing Oli Oakes, the former Hitech GP boss, as the team principal. This move signals a shift in leadership dynamics, with Briatore, de Meo, and Oakes forming a new power trio tasked with revitalizing Alpine’s fortunes. However, Briatore is not rushing to address the driver lineup, noting that the priority is on rebuilding the team’s infrastructure and improving the car’s performance. “The driver makes no difference now. The driver will make a difference in 2026, 2027, and 2028,” Briatore stated, indicating that his focus is firmly on the long-term development of the team.
Despite Pierre Gasly being signed beyond 2024, the future of the second seat remains uncertain. Jack Doohan, who has been touted as a potential replacement for the Haas-bound Esteban Ocon, is still under consideration. However, Briatore insists that securing a competitive driver is secondary to the more pressing need to enhance the technical and commercial aspects of the team.
Looking ahead, Briatore is confident that Alpine will rise again. He boldly promised that by 2026, the team would see significant improvements, and by 2027, they would be back on the podium. “Give me two years, and we will see the podium,” Briatore declared, underscoring his belief in the long-term project he is now spearheading.
The road ahead for Alpine is undoubtedly challenging, but with Briatore’s no-nonsense approach and a clear focus on rebuilding from the ground up, there is hope that Renault’s storied legacy in Formula 1 can be revived. The next few years will be crucial as the team works to regain its competitive edge and reclaim its place among the sport’s elite.
Photo from Briatore Instagram
