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Alpine’s dramatic China breakthrough: is Flavio Briatore’s ruthless strategy finally paying off?

Redação by Redação
March 20, 2026
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0

Alpine’s Stunning Performance in China: A Turning Point for Briatore’s Controversial Leadership?

In the high-octane world of Formula 1, few names elicit as much intrigue and controversy as Flavio Briatore. After his infamous lifetime ban was lifted, the flamboyant Italian returned to the Alpine team, taking on the role of Executive Advisor. However, it’s no secret that he’s been the one pulling the strings, and his bold, often ruthless decisions have left fans and critics alike questioning his methods.

The most shocking move? Ditching Renault power and shutting down the Viry powertrains department. Instead, Briatore opted for Mercedes engines, a decision that sent shockwaves through the paddock and raised eyebrows about Alpine’s long-term strategy. The fallout from this gamble was immediate, with the team’s early 2025 season marred by a dismal performance and a chaotic driver lineup.

In a dramatic twist, promising driver Jack Doohan found his spot in jeopardy as Briatore swooped in to secure Franco Colapinto from Williams. Doohan’s tenure was cut short after just six races, as Colapinto was thrust into the spotlight, sparking outrage among fans who felt the decision was premature. Briatore’s management style was further under scrutiny after his explosive outbursts during team meetings, which were captured in the latest season of “Drive to Survive,” showcasing him tearing into Colapinto following a crash and belittling him in front of teammates.

As the 2026 season unfolded, pressure mounted on Briatore and the Alpine team to deliver results. The opening races had been disappointing, with Alpine struggling to keep pace amid fierce competition. However, the narrative took an exhilarating turn at the Chinese Grand Prix, where all eyes were on Alpine. Expectations were high, and the team needed a strong showing to silence the critics.

And deliver they did! Pierre Gasly showcased remarkable prowess, securing a stellar seventh-place finish, while navigating through a tumultuous race that saw rivals falter. Notably, Gasly outpaced Max Verstappen’s Red Bull in qualifying, a feat that reignited hope among the Alpine faithful.

But it wasn’t just Gasly who shone in Shanghai. Franco Colapinto, despite a less-than-ideal qualifying position, demonstrated resilience and skill throughout the race. With an alternate strategy that had him on hard tires before switching to mediums, Colapinto was poised to make a significant impact. However, misfortune struck when a safety car was deployed to recover Lance Stroll’s broken-down Aston Martin, disrupting his strategy. A subsequent collision with Esteban Ocon, which resulted in a 10-second penalty for Ocon, further complicated Colapinto’s race. Yet, he rallied and earned his first point for the team, finishing in 10th place—a promising sign for the rookie and the team.

As the dust settles on the Chinese Grand Prix, the question remains: has Flavio Briatore’s controversial approach finally begun to bear fruit? With a long season ahead, it’s still too early to declare victory, but one thing is clear—Alpine is on the cusp of a significant turning point. Will Briatore’s ruthless tactics lead to a triumphant resurgence, or will they sow the seeds for further chaos? Only time will tell, but the excitement surrounding Alpine’s potential is palpable as they embark on the remainder of the season.

Tags: Alpinechinese-grand-prixEsteban Oconformula-1-enmax-verstappen-enPierre GaslyRed Bull RacingWilliams
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