Alpine Racing faces intensive overhaul but remains in Renault’s hands, says Briatore
Zandvoort, Netherlands – Alpine Racing, a team historically known for its championship glories as Benetton in the 1990s and Renault in the 2000s, has faced severe mismanagement and will require years to reclaim its status as a podium regular, according to executive advisor Flavio Briatore. Despite these challenges, the former team boss assured that Alpine will not be sold.
During a joint appearance at the Dutch Grand Prix with the newly appointed team principal Oliver Oakes, Briatore outlined a roadmap for the team’s resurgence. "It's not for sale," clarified Briatore emphatically. "Something is very clear, (Renault chief executive) Luca de Meo never wants to sell the team. Question finito."
Alpine has been struggling this season, currently positioned eighth overall with only 11 points from 14 races. Briatore indicated that the team's competitive horizon might extend to 2027, emphasizing that the decision regarding which engines to use post-2026 would be left to Renault. The French manufacturer is contemplating a switch to Mercedes engines, which could see an end to the production at Viry-Chatillon near Paris.
Oakes, who took over as team principal in late July, marked Zandvoort as his first race in charge. Bringing experience from managing teams in junior series, the 36-year-old Briton injected fresh enthusiasm, comparing Alpine’s potential to the environment at Red Bull under Christian Horner. "Enstone has something which money can't buy," Oakes commented. "It has a racing spirit, it has a history."
Addressing the systemic issues within Alpine, Oakes acknowledged the mismanagement while pointing towards the robust talent pool within the team. "In terms of what it's missing, I dare say it's been mismanaged for quite a few years... we have some amazing people there. It's not the fault of the people, it's the fault of the leadership before," he remarked.
Briatore added, “To turn around this team you need young people, you need people with a lot of passion for the job. At one point a few wrong managers were chosen. I think the list of the wrong ones was quite long." He likened the recent changes to a 'Flavio Tornado' revitalizing the system, stressing the need for renewed energy and passion.
Despite the challenges, optimism remains within the management. Oakes, motivated by the renewed vision, simplified the formula for success: "We just have to build a good car and a good team. And I think at the end of that, the results will speak for themselves."
As Alpine embarks on this significant rebuilding phase, only time will reveal if the historic team can once again capture the glory it once relished.
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