Since the arrival of Flavio Briatore back to the Alpine team The Italian tycoon is trying to clean up the Renault Formula 1 team. In a very short time Briatore has managed to move Alpine from ninth to sixth position in the constructors’ world championship, largely due to Brazil’s stroke of luck.
After the Interlagos race, Briatore wanted to take advantage of his management. But he has done so with some very controversial statements, since he has explained that one of his recipes has been that of lay off almost a quarter of the staff. It is not the first decision by Briatore that has made Renault workers very angry.
Briatore boasts of having “cleaned up” Alpine F1 workers
“This year we have done quite a clean. And we continue doing it. “We have just taken a real evolutionary step to not interfere with the 2025 project, and the step we took was clearly in the direction of next year,” said Briatore, explaining his plan to change Alpine from top to bottom.
Going into details, Briatore specifies that “When I arrived there were 1,150 people, now there are 850. Those of us who remain are focused solely on the team and Formula 1. Everyone else has left.” That is, Briatore has laid off 300 Alpine workers since he took charge of the team in June.
It is not the first controversial decision by Briatore, who has even achieved what seemed impossible, that Alpine does not use Renault engines. Starting in 2026, the French brand will use Mercedes engines, which has been a blow to the Viry-Chatillon workers, who have even gone on strike.
Alpine is in its sweet week after the double podium at Interlagos, which has taken them to sixth position among manufacturers and could give them up to 26 million euros. “The pilots did their job very well, but we were lucky”Briatore acknowledges, adding that “we have a car that goes better in the wet.”
The next to learn about Briatore’s few scruples could be Jack Doohan, the young Australian driver whom Alpine confirmed to debut in 2025. The latest rumors suggest that Briatore was captivated by Franco Colapintoand I would be willing to make room for him by firing Doohan before he even debuts.
Back at base after that incredible weekend.
Flavio and Oliver debrief with the team pic.twitter.com/x8icFQP9kv
— BWT Alpine Formula One Team (@AlpineF1Team) November 6, 2024
Briatore already made the Enstone team win in the ’90s as Benetton and in the 2000s as Renault. we will see if he can achieve it again now with Alpine.
Source: www.motorpasion.com
