Flavio Briatore reasserts his no-nonsense management style, warning Jack Doohan and criticizing Esteban Ocon for lacking commitment at Alpine.
Flavio Briatore, Alpine F1’s executive advisor, once again unleashed sharp criticism of the team’s management before his arrival.
In an interview with Le Parisien, the Italian made it clear that he isn’t in Enstone to make friends, including among the drivers.
Esteban Ocon came under fire, and Jack Doohan has already been warned that his seat is not guaranteed for the upcoming season.
“The only certainty in life is death. We’re starting the year with Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan, I guarantee that. After that, we’ll see as the season progresses.”
“My role is to help the team reach a position where it can deliver results. The driver is the one who must complete the work of nearly a thousand people behind him. Everyone works for just two individuals. If a driver isn’t improving or delivering results, they will be replaced.”
That’s for Doohan. And Ocon?
“I see Ocon differently than the general public. We must thank him for what he did in Brazil with that podium; it was crucial for us.”
“After that race, though, he wasn’t really with us anymore. His mind was already focused on Haas, his next team. Meanwhile, we were fighting for sixth place in the Constructors’ standings against them. That required full commitment, and he no longer had it.”
“I saw him completely demotivated in the final races, and the gap with Pierre Gasly was far too significant. We couldn’t afford to continue like that.”
“It wasn’t about favoring Jack Doohan over Esteban but about preparing the team’s future. The nationality of the drivers doesn’t matter. Whether they’re Turkish, French, or Japanese, it’s irrelevant. My only goal is to find the best driver possible.”
Briatore has faced significant criticism from the public for his return, with the shadow of the Singapore Crashgate scandal still looming over his F1 legacy. Why come back?
“And why not? I was already around the paddock as an F1 ambassador and wanted to get more involved. I had the energy and the time since my son went off to college. At the start of the season, Alpine wasn’t performing. I called Luca de Meo and said, ‘It pains me to see my favorite team in this state.’ We started discussing what could be done. Formula 1 has given me so much. I wanted to offer my help to restore the team’s image and bring it back to where it belongs. I want Alpine to become a true contender in F1 again.”
“What always matters in F1 are the results. I want to be judged on my results. I came back to Formula 1 to win. I’m not here to be a tourist. I’ve traveled the world 20 times already. That’s not what excites me. What excites me is seeing my team win championships or fight for them.”
“I arrived in June. We had two points in the championship. I started implementing the same strategies I used at Benetton 30 years ago, that’s all.”
“F1 has improved since then. We now race in different countries, and the market has expanded. But the competition between teams remains the same. Nothing has changed. We refocused on team spirit. We replaced the team principal with Oliver Oakes. We also signed an agreement with Mercedes to use their engine. That’s what can bring us back to the top.”
This decision to move away from the Renault engine was poorly received by many fans, but Briatore stands by it.
“We had a great relationship with Viry. We have immense respect for their work. Personally, I won several titles—six world championships—with Viry. I’ll never forget that. Back then, I was at Viry every other day. The story of Viry is one of success and championship victories. But we had to make a change!”
Similarly, Enstone underwent a purge—300 fewer employees—but, according to him, it’s for the better.
“In F1, I don’t think quantity equals quality. I’ve tried to change that. I don’t cut staff numbers on a whim. Viry isn’t the only facility affected. We also reduced the workforce at Enstone, on the UK side. In return, we’ve hired people with extensive F1 experience. More hires are on the way. My mission is to build a competitive team, and I’m doing just that.”
“Today, our goals are clear: always improve. In 2024, we finished sixth. That’s great news because it earns us significantly more money than finishing ninth. Next season, we must finish fifth in the Constructors’ standings, ahead of Aston Martin. By 2026, we aim for podiums and victories. In 2027, the title.”
“For now, we’re on the right track. We haven’t just corrected mistakes for 2024; we’ve already developed the 2025 car. We’ve improved the car by nearly half a second per lap. Looking ahead, we have a dedicated team working on the 2026 car to prepare for the regulatory changes. The staff is finally starting to believe in our project: competing for the championship in three years.”
“I have no doubt we’ll deliver results. Zero doubt. We have everything we need to succeed—the support of the Renault group, the engine, motivated employees. I know F1 well enough to recognize a team that’s going to work.”
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Briatore Slams Ocon’s Commitment, Outlines Alpine’s Future Briatore Slams Ocon’s Commitment, Outlines Alpine’s Future Briatore Slams Ocon’s Commitment, Outlines Alpine’s Future
