Alpine Advisor Flavio Briatore Eyes Formula 1 Victory in 2026
Formula 1 news: Alpine’s Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore has made a bold claim, stating that the team will win races when the new technical regulations take effect in 2026. This comes as the Enstone-based squad has announced a series of key hires from rival teams, including Ferrari and Red Bull.
Briatore, who previously led the team to titles under the Benetton and Renault guises, has returned to Alpine as an advisor to CEO Luca De Meo. His comeback coincides with the team’s recent upturn in competitiveness, with a consecutive points run extending to four races in Austria last weekend. Despite this, Alpine remains eighth in the Constructors’ Championship, having struggled with an overweight A524 car and internal changes.
“In 2026, I will win races, the Alpine will be on the podium; then, how many we will be able to do, I don’t know,” Briatore said in an interview with ‘La Politica nel pallone’ on Radio Rai.
This year, Alpine has faced significant challenges, but Briatore has been given full powers by De Meo to reshape the team. “I am used to using them, and I guarantee that in two seasons, we will be talking about podiums,” he added.
Rumors have been circulating that Alpine may shut down its engine division and become a customer team, with Ferrari or Mercedes potentially being considered. Briatore’s influence may also be behind the team’s attempt to lure outgoing Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz to join Pierre Gasly in 2025.
“There is a lot of interest, we’ll see in the next few days, although right now for Alpine, the driver doesn’t make a difference, we have to get the car right first,” Briatore said.
Alpine has recently bolstered its technical ranks with three recruits from Ferrari and Red Bull. Michael Broadhurst has returned as Chief Aerodynamicist, Vin Dhanani will also return as Head of Vehicle Performance, and ex-Ferrari man Jacopo Fantoni has been appointed as Deputy Chief Engineer.
These new hires will report to their respective department heads, with Sanchez positioned above them as the outright department head. As Alpine looks to the future, Briatore’s confidence in the team’s ability to win races in 2026 will be a key factor in their success.
Formula 1 calendar
With the 2026 season on the horizon, Alpine will be eager to capitalize on the new technical regulations and make a strong push up the Formula 1 standings.
Formula 1 standings
Currently, Alpine sits eighth in the Constructors’ Championship, but with the influx of new talent and Briatore’s guidance, they will be aiming to break into the top three by 2026.
Formula 1 news
Stay tuned for the latest updates on Alpine’s progress and the 2026 Formula 1 season.
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