Flavio Briatore denied the rumors surrounding the possible sale of Alpine amid the team’s recent difficulties. Alpine announced on Friday that Briatore would return to Enstone as Executive Consultant. The 74-year-old Italian had been banned for life by the FIA due to the Crashgate scandal in 2008, but that ban was overturned in 2013.
Many in the paddock assumed that Briatore’s return to F1 and his involvement with Alpine indicated that the team was up for sale. However, the Italian vehemently denied this rumor, stating that the French team was not on the market. Briatore emphasized that he was there to support his friend and help build the team, acting as its executive consultant.
When asked about the possibility of Alpine using Mercedes engines from 2026, Briatore responded that no decisions had been made and ongoing negotiations were taking place. However, he acknowledged that they were exploring all options to improve the team’s competitiveness and enhance the performance of their car.
During his press conversation, Briatore praised Ferrari for their exceptional performance in Formula 1. He believed that the success of the iconic “Red Team” was beneficial for the sport as a whole. Briatore also expressed enthusiasm for the idea of Lewis Hamilton joining Ferrari, seeing it as a strong sporting move and a valuable marketing opportunity. He believed that Hamilton’s arrival would not only improve Ferrari’s competitiveness but also contribute to the brand’s image.
In addition, Briatore mentioned that experienced drivers like Hamilton could greatly help Ferrari improve their performance and develop their car. He expressed sympathy for Carlos Sainz, who had to leave despite being a consistent performer for the team. Briatore believed that Hamilton’s skills, experience, and popularity in F1 would be a significant boost for Ferrari, while also acknowledging the unfortunate circumstances for Sainz.
Overall, Briatore’s comments indicated his commitment to Alpine and his belief in its potential for improvement. He dismissed rumors of a possible sale and expressed optimism for the team’s future.
