In a shocking turn of events at Alpine, the Formula 1 team finds itself embroiled in yet another controversy. The newly appointed team principal is, in a formal sense, not Flavio Briatore.
Amidst the turmoil following driver changes and the sudden resignation of former team principal Oliver Oakes, it has come to light that Briatore, despite being named as the executive advisor, does not hold the required F1 license to officially lead the team.
Dave Greenwood, the racing director, has been identified as the interim figure in charge, as Briatore’s lack of F1 credentials disqualifies him from the position. The absence of a legitimate team principal raises questions about Alpine’s leadership structure and the decision-making process within the team.
Furthermore, the connection between Greenwood and the embattled Hitech GP team adds another layer of complexity to the situation. With William Oakes’ recent arrest and the team distancing itself from the Hitech GP branding, Alpine is facing a crisis of leadership and identity.
Despite the formalities, Briatore remains a prominent figure within Alpine, with strong support from Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo. Briatore’s return to an operational role within the team highlights the power dynamics at play and the influence of key stakeholders in shaping Alpine’s future direction.
As Alpine navigates through these turbulent times, the uncertainty surrounding its leadership raises concerns about the team’s stability and competitiveness on the F1 circuit. With the spotlight firmly on Alpine, the team faces a critical juncture in defining its identity and charting a path forward in the fast-paced world of Formula 1.
