The Enstone-based Formula 1 team, Alpine, is on the precipice of a major transition, morphing from a works team to a customer setup. Flavio Briatore, Alpine’s non-executive director, is resolute in his belief that the shift to Mercedes power will bolster the team’s chances of victory in the 2026 Formula 1 championship.
Despite initially being implicated in the decision to dismantle Renault’s F1 engine programme, Briatore clarifies that the move was already in motion before his return to the Enstone team. He defends his involvement, stating, “The decision regarding the engine was taken by the management even before I joined the team. I support whatever our chairman decides. This decision was in place even before I came on board.”
Briatore is adamant about his innocence, expressing, “I am not always the villain. You can blame me for many things, but not for this one.”
Briatore did, however, play a pivotal role in the decision to bring on Mercedes as the engine and gearbox supplier for the team from 2026 until at least 2030. This deal also means that Alpine will integrate Mercedes’ rear suspension into their vehicles. It is speculated, however, that Alpine may start developing their own gearbox and rear suspension starting from 2027.
Briatore perceives this decision as a strategic move for the team that aspires to reclaim its winning streak. He attributes his decision to his positive relationship with Mercedes team principal, Toto Wolff. He optimistically asserts, “Why shouldn’t we have the ability to win races in 2026? The car will be a novelty for everyone. I returned to Formula 1 with a singular goal – to win. To achieve that, we need every component to be competitive, and our current engine is not.”
Briatore’s affiliation with the Renault F1 team has seen the team secure titles with Michael Schumacher in 1993 and 1994, and later with Fernando Alonso in 2005 and 2006. However, his tenure was marred by the infamous Crashgate scandal in 2009, leading to his departure.
Seven months into his return to the team, Briatore already notices a significant shift in the team’s ethos. He recalls his initial impression of the Enstone team, stating, “It seemed like a group of people just manufacturing a car, without much concern for its speed. It was merely a job.”
The appointment of Oliver Oakes as the team principal in 2024 has also been a favorable development for the team, according to Briatore. He praises Oakes, saying, “Oliver is young, ambitious, and has a thorough understanding of the racing business, having been a world karting champion himself. His proximity to the factory and his dedication exemplify the spirit that now embodies Alpine.”
