Flavio Briatore sets high standards in search for new Alpine team principal
Flavio Briatore Highlights Careful Approach to Alpine’s Search for New Team Boss
BARCELONA, Spain — Flavio Briatore has emphasized that Alpine F1 is taking a meticulous approach in appointing a new team boss following the departure of Oliver Oakes. The former Renault stalwart and current Alpine adviser has temporarily shouldered the team principal duties since Oakes’ surprising resignation earlier this month but insists the team won’t rush the decision.
Speaking during Friday’s press conference ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix, Briatore clarified that his current role is not a direct replacement for Oakes’ position:
"We are looking," Briatore stated regarding the ongoing search for a new team boss. "For the moment, nothing changed. I feel sorry for Ollie, honestly, because I had a very good relationship with him. He was a good team principal. Everybody knows for personal reasons he stopped and resigned from Alpine.
"We are looking. We don't want to make any mistake. I'm prepared to take some time. But the moment we decide what is the new team manager, put it this way, we will tell you."
Alpine’s Search for a Qualified Leader
While Alpine’s quest for a new team principal continues, Briatore remains resolute about the caliber of the individual they are seeking:
"Now we are looking for somebody, you know, there's a lot of people it is possible to be doing this kind of job. But we're looking for somebody good, somebody who understands, somebody who wants to be part of the team," Briatore explained. "I know a few people who want to be part of this new trip with Alpine. We decide quick."
Briatore’s search signals not just a transitional appointment but a pivotal move for the team’s future trajectory.
Briatore’s Role in Alpine’s Evolution
Briatore rejoined the team, now rebranded as Alpine, in an advisory capacity last year, a move that raised eyebrows given his complicated past in Formula One. Famously leading Renault to dual championships in 2005 and 2006, his career was later marred by the infamous “Crashgate” scandal that earned him a lifetime ban from F1, a sanction eventually overturned in court.
Since his return, Briatore has been instrumental in reshaping Alpine’s operations. Among his notable achievements is his influence in securing Mercedes engines for the 2026 season, a strategic change that he believes will make Alpine a title-winning contender as early as next year.
Briatore also played a decisive role in promoting young talent, including Jack Doohan’s debut in a race seat earlier this season. After the Miami Grand Prix, the Australian driver was replaced by Argentina’s Franco Colapinto, another move attributed to Briatore’s active involvement in driving Alpine’s long-term vision.
High Aspirations for Alpine’s Future
As Alpine navigates this period of transition, the team’s aspirations remain high, with Briatore’s stewardship and eventual choice of a new team principal being pivotal to achieving its goals both on and off the track.
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