Flavio Briatore's Bold Bet: Why Alpine Will Dominate Formula 1 in 2026
If there’s one thing Flavio Briatore is known for, it’s his unshakable confidence and a tenacity that has led teams to championship glory. Now, he's setting his sights on Alpine's resurgence in the highly competitive arena of Formula 1, with a bold prediction: by 2026, Alpine will be winning races and gracing the podiums regularly.
Alpine's Big Comeback
Flavio Briatore, who led the team—formerly known as Benetton and Renault—to multiple championships in the early 2000s, has made a striking return to Alpine as Executive Advisor. His comeback has generated quite the buzz, especially following Alpine's recent uptick in performance. Despite still languishing in eighth place in the Constructors' Championship, Briatore is audaciously aiming for the stars, fueled by a future overhaul of F1's technical regulations set for 2026.
“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 declared with typical candor on Radio Rai. “This year we have many handicaps, we are reshaping the whole team. I have had full powers from Luca De Meo, and I guarantee that in two seasons we will be talking about podiums.”
Strategic Hires and Team Restructuring
The strategy doesn't just rest on hope; it's backed by a series of new hires aimed at beefing up the technical staff. Alpine has brought in heavyweight names from Red Bull and Ferrari, including Chief Aerodynamicist Michael Broadhurst, Head of Vehicle Performance Vin Dhanani, and Deputy Chief Engineer Jacopo Fantoni. These appointments are key to revamping the team's technical prowess and align perfectly with Briatore's ambitious goals.
The return of Broadhurst, who contributed significantly during his tenure at Red Bull, and the inclusion of Fantoni, who played pivotal roles at Ferrari, set a solid foundation. These hires complement the revised technical structure led by David Sanchez, another crucial acquisition from McLaren.
Considerations on Drivers and Engines
Alpine's intent to streamline its operations extends beyond technical hires. There are rumblings that the team might shut down its own engine division and become a customer team. Whisperings of partnerships with engine giants Ferrari or Mercedes persist in the paddock. Should this move materialize, it would free up significant resources for chassis and aerodynamic development, critical components for race-winning cars.
As for the driver lineup, while it’s no secret that outgoing Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz is on Briatore’s radar, the Italian maintains the team’s priority is getting the car right first. “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 noted. “Incredibly he [Sainz] is still free, we are all willing to have him in the team, and we will do what we can.”
The Road Ahead
Alpine’s ambitions are high, but they are grounded in strategic hires and structural reconfigurations. The backdrop of regulatory changes coming in 2026 adds an extra layer of optimism. If Briatore's history is anything to go by, underestimating him would be a mistake. His return to Alpine could very well be the spark that ignites a new era of success for the team.
For now, the road to 2026 is paved with challenges, including overcoming the 'handicaps' Briatore mentioned. Yet, the team's recent upturn in form shows they are on the right path. Alpine’s story is one of transformation and ambition, promising to be one of the most thrilling narratives in F1's modern era.