The main advisor of the French team acknowledged the sporting crisis, although he highlighted Renault's support and his expectations for next season
Alpine's presence in Formula 1 is far from encouraging: last in the Constructors' Championship with just 20 points, all scored by Pierre Gasly, and without a competitive car to fight with the rest of the field. Despite this outlook, Flavio Briatore, the team's main advisor, expressed confidence in the future, although he did not hide his concern about the current low level.
In a conversation with Formule1.NL, Briatore emphasized that Renault's continuity in the top category is not in doubt: "The new CEO (Provost) is very enthusiastic about Alpine. Renault wants to stay in Formula 1". He also recalled that the company's president, Jean-Dominique Senard, is also a strong supporter of the project.
The team, however, is undergoing a restructuring process. In July, François Provost replaced Luca de Meo as Renault's CEO, while Alpine has suffered several departures from its leadership since 2023, such as Otmar Szafnauer and Oliver Oakes.
Briatore acknowledged mistakes in the season's planning: "Maybe we made a mistake by not implementing updates from the start of the season, and now we're paying for it". "We want to forget about this year quickly, let's hope things go better in 2026", he added.
According to him, the difference in the midfield is minimal, but Alpine carries a major disadvantage in power and engine. For this reason, the focus is already on next year and the new regulations: "We're investing a lot in the 2026 car", the Italian pointed out.
The most significant change will be the end of Renault's engine and the incorporation of a Mercedes engine, a strategic decision aimed at closing the gap with the leading teams.
When analyzing the present, Briatore was blunt: "We need better results; that's what we have to show next year", adding: "This year is very complicated for us".
However, he assured that Alpine's project has solid foundations thanks to Renault's support and the arrival of Steve Nielsen: "We need someone like him, a team principal. I hope he takes the reins from start to finish".
With 2026 as the horizon, Alpine is aiming to leave behind one of its worst seasons and to regain competitiveness with a strengthened structure and an engine that promises to change the course.