Flavio Briatore, a name long associated with success and controversy in Formula 1, has laid out an aggressive vision for the future of French team Alpine.
After a disappointing start to the 2025 season, in which the French outfit has accumulated just seven points, the 75-year-old believes sweeping changes coming in 2026 can catalyse a major step forward.
Speaking to Le Monde, Briatore boldly stated: “In 2026, we can win races, I guarantee it, and in 2027, we want to be title contenders.” He added, “There will be no excuses: we must be competitive. We owe it to Renault, to Alpine… we’re in this sport to win.”
That message comes after a turbulent few weeks for the team. Following a reshuffle at the top, Briatore has assumed a greater leadership role after Oliver Oakes stepped down as team principal.
While his official title remains “executive advisor,” Briatore has made it clear he’s now the central figure guiding the team’s direction.
Alpine betting on 2026 rule changes and Mercedes power
A key part of Alpine’s future plan revolves around its upcoming switch to Mercedes power units, following Renault’s decision to exit F1 at the end of 2025. The decision, while difficult, is one Briatore believes was vital.
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“Choosing to switch to Mercedes power was a very difficult decision,” he said. “But in this sport, to win, you need to have the same tools as the others. For a million reasons rooted in the past, we were at a disadvantage in that area.”
Briatore didn’t shy away from his belief in the new regulatory cycle as a leveller in the sport. With 2026 introducing major changes to chassis, aerodynamics, and engine regulations, he sees it as an ideal moment for Alpine to reset and rise.
Of course, a driver like Max Verstappen would accelerate any team’s path to glory, but as Briatore joked, “The easiest way to win is to sign Max Verstappen, but we can’t. So we have to work with what we’ve got.”
Franco Colapinto has recently been promoted to the race team in place of Jack Doohan, as part of a broader shakeup aimed at building toward this long-term vision.
While some critics point to Briatore’s chequered past, including the infamous “Crashgate” scandal that saw him initially banned from F1, the Italian insists that era is behind him.
“I’m now 100% committed and surrounded by a very strong team across all departments — technical, commercial, and management,” he explained.
He also addressed his current lack of an official team principal licence. “As for the team principal licence, it’s a detail — I could get it tomorrow if I wanted.”
And on Oliver Oakes’ departure, he insisted, “Everyone thought there was a rift between Oli and me. But when I have an issue with someone, everyone knows — I speak up and act immediately. If I say there’s no problem, it’s because there isn’t one.”
With leadership clarified and a new technical path mapped out, Alpine are now positioning themselves to make a leap forward. Whether Briatore can deliver on his promise of race wins in 2026 and title contention in 2027 remains to be seen — but the ambition is now impossible to ignore.
What are Alpine F1’s goals for 2026 and 2027?
Flavio Briatore says Alpine is aiming to win races in 2026 and challenge for the F1 World Championship in 2027 under new regulations.
Why is Alpine switching to Mercedes engines in 2026?
Alpine is moving to Mercedes power units to eliminate past disadvantages and align with top-performing teams as Renault exits F1.
Who is leading Alpine F1 after Oliver Oakes left?
Executive advisor Flavio Briatore has taken on a larger role at Alpine following Oliver Oakes’ departure, overseeing operations across all departments.
Who is leading Alpine F1 after Oliver Oakes left?
Executive advisor Flavio Briatore has taken on a larger role at Alpine following Oliver Oakes’ departure, overseeing operations across all departments.
