Briatore's bravado? 'Alpine on the podium within two years'
Alpine has struggled so far in 2024. They are eighth in the constructors standings, having only scored 11 points this season. Compare this to the summer break in 2023, they had 57 points. Bruno Famin is leaving his position as team principal, with Hitech Pulse-Eight founder and boss Oliver Oakes taking over. Plenty more changes have been made high up the ranks at Alpine as well. Flavio Briatore returned to the team in June as an Executive Advisor and is confident that within two years, the team's fortune will turn around.
'2027, we have a podium'
A bold claim from former Benetton team boss Flavio Briatore. Speaking on the Formula For Success podcast with Eddie Jordan, Briatore spoke about returning to the Enstone team, and why he is confident that within two years, Alpine will be at the front of the grid.
"We have a new team principal," Briatore began explaining to Jordan; "It's a look at myself and Oliver is the team principal. Alpine, I promise you, Alpine give me two years. In two years, we see the podium. 2027 we have a podium."
Whilst Briatore did remain quiet on who will partner Pierre Gasly at the French team in 2025, he admitted he thought the best driver available was Carlos Sainz, who will now drive for Williams next season. After missing out on the Spaniard, Briatore revealed that the second driver isn't the only focus at the moment. "It's just working the restructuring of the team completely. Our point in this moment is to make sure we put all the energy into the technical side and make sure the car is looking better, better and better and improving for next year.
"And in 2026, I believe we will see the new Alpine," Briatore concluded.