Flavio Briatore’s Alpine F1 Revival Plan: From Backmarkers to Title Contenders by 2027
A Dramatic Return to Formula 1
Flavio Briatore, the 74-year-old Italian businessman, has made a significant return to Formula 1 as Alpine’s new Executive Advisor. Following team principal Oliver Oakes’ mid-season resignation in May 2025, Briatore has become Alpine’s de facto team principal, though he is not officially employed by the team and doesn’t hold an FIA license.
Current Challenges and Immediate Goals
Since taking the helm in May 2025, Briatore faces considerable challenges with Alpine currently ranking ninth in the Constructors’ Championship. The team has already made strategic changes, including replacing Jack Doohan with promising reserve driver Franco Colapinto due to early season underperformance.
Briatore has set clear targets for the team, stating that Alpine needs to achieve competitiveness in 2026 with regular podium contention, as part of his vision to challenge for wins and potentially championships beyond that.
Strategic Vision and Future Plans
The immediate objectives under Briatore’s leadership include streamlining team operations, improving competitive results, and preparing the organization for the transition to Mercedes engines. Despite being a polarizing figure in Formula 1, Briatore’s knowledge, experience, and success in the sport are undeniable. The 74-year-old, who was previously banned for his involvement in the 2008 ‘Crashgate’ scandal, has returned with a singular mission: to revive the Enstone outfit after several disappointing seasons and management reshuffles. His track record includes transforming the team into a championship-winning outfit under both Benetton and Renault branding.
Looking Ahead
Briatore acknowledges the challenges ahead, noting that “We’re back in the business, with Alpine. Not easy because the team has gone through a lot of change, especially in the last four or five years, not only now. But little by little, we try to put the team together, the people together”. His ambition to have the team fighting for the championship by 2027 draws from his previous success, having won titles with Benetton in the mid-1990s and again with the same team under its Renault guise in the mid-2000s.
