P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Should Alpine move on from Flavio Briatore? One ex-F1 driver thinks so
Ralf Schumacher believes that F1 requires technically skilled leaders like Christian Horner rather than figures like Flavio Briatore. Briatore is currently serving as Alpine’s executive advisor, overseeing daily operations since his return to F1 was announced in June 2024. He has been influential in Alpine’s switch to becoming a Mercedes customer team from 2026 and is advocating for Franco Colapinto to replace Jack Doohan. Briatore’s F1 experience dates back to the early 1990s, including leading Benetton, signing Michael Schumacher, and winning world titles. In contrast to Briatore’s authoritative style, many current team bosses have an engineering background, prompting Schumacher to recommend a leader like Horner for Alpine. Since being sacked by Red Bull, Horner’s next move in F1 remains uncertain, with possibilities limited and the option of a break being discussed by F1 pundits like Karun Chandhok. Assessing Alpine as a potential destination for Horner, Chandhok mentioned that the team’s dynamics, including Briatore’s role, may make it a favorable choice if Horner decides to continue in F1.
