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Flavio Briatore reveals shocking truth behind Alpine’s devastating F1 decline: a race against time

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
January 2, 2026
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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Flavio Briatore reveals shocking truth behind Alpine’s devastating F1 decline: a race against time

ZANDVOORT, NETHERLANDS - AUGUST 25: Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner and Flavio Briatore, Executive Advisor to Alpine F1, look on, on the grid prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Netherlands at Circuit Zandvoort on August 25, 2024 in Zandvoort, Netherlands. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202408250181 // Usage for editorial use only //

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Alpine F1’s Descent: Flavio Briatore Exposes the Root of the Team’s Struggles

In a shocking revelation, Alpine Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore has laid bare the critical moment when the team’s downward spiral in Formula 1 began. According to Briatore, the dawn of the turbo-hybrid era marked the start of Alpine’s troubles, a sentiment that resonates deeply as the team faces its direst situation yet, crashing to the bottom of the Constructors’ Championship in 2025.

“It’s very hard, this situation for us. I’m not used to it,” Briatore lamented. “Every Sunday is torture.” His frustration is palpable as he watches dedicated mechanics labor tirelessly, yet the team fails to reap any rewards from their efforts. “You don’t have the possibility to enjoy the race, to go back home with points. It’s very frustrating,” he emphasized, expressing hope that the upcoming 2026 regulations will be a game-changer for Alpine.

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Why did Alpine throw in the towel on 2025 so early? The answer lies in a strategic yet risky decision to halt development on their current car to focus entirely on the new regulations set to roll out in 2026, which will also see the team switch to Mercedes powertrains. While history shows that such a gamble can pay off, Briatore candidly admits the price they’ve paid for this choice has been steep. “We don’t have the capacity to develop the 2025 car and a 2026 car,” he explained, suggesting that even a fully developed A525 would only have nudged Alpine to the edge of the midfield.

“Everybody has done a better job than us,” Briatore stated, reflecting on the team’s initial promise which quickly evaporated as competitors surged ahead with improvements. The painful realization that Alpine’s car was once competitive, finishing in the top ranks, only to fall back into the shadows, underscores the depth of their crisis.

However, Briatore points to more than just the car’s performance. He highlights a long-standing management instability that has plagued the team for years. His concerns about leadership inefficacies were voiced to former Renault CEO Luca de Meo before he made his return to Enstone in mid-2024. “The team was managed by people from France, from Paris. F1 is already difficult to manage day by day in the office, in Enstone. So managing F1 from Paris is impossible,” Briatore asserted, showcasing the need for a more hands-on approach.

Yet, the most pressing issue remains the engine. Briatore believes that Renault’s failure to establish a competitive benchmark during the turbo-hybrid era has left a lingering impact. He refrains from blaming the current staff at Viry-Chatillon, instead attributing the challenges to decisions made over a decade ago when Renault opted not to invest at the same level as its rivals. “At the time, Renault was not taking seriously to match the cost of making an engine,” he revealed, emphasizing the consequences of complacency in a highly competitive landscape.

With the impending switch to Mercedes power, Briatore sees an opportunity for a fresh start. “If you want to be competitive, you need to have the same weapon everybody has,” he asserted. His ambition for Alpine is clear: “I want us to be in the first six.” He recognizes that being in the top tier is crucial for the team’s revival, as starting from the back means losing touch with podium dreams.

Despite the daunting road ahead, Briatore is no stranger to challenges. “It’s a big, big challenge. But I’ve never had a small challenge,” he declared defiantly. Drawing from his storied career, he recalls overcoming skepticism and adversity to achieve success. “In the meantime, we were winning the races with no motorsport in the stomach,” he quipped, revealing his unwavering belief in the potential for turnaround.

As Alpine gears up to reset its ambitions, the F1 world watches with bated breath. Will Briatore’s bold strategies and historical expertise be enough to lift the beleaguered team from the depths of despair? Only time will tell if Alpine can reclaim its place among the elite in Formula 1.

Tags: 1958-formula-1-season2025-constructors-championship-3alpine-f1flavio-briatores
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