P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Alpine Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore has insisted that signing Valtteri Bottas was “never a discussion” for the team in F1 despite talks between the parties.
“Flavio Briatore, Alpine Executive Advisor, clarified that signing Valtteri Bottas was never a topic of discussion for the team in Formula 1, despite talks between the involved parties.
Cadillac recently revealed that Bottas will make a comeback to the grid alongside Sergio Perez in 2026, marking the American brand’s debut as the 11th team in the series.
Bottas, with 246 starts and 10 victories under his belt, stayed active in the paddock in 2025 in a reserve capacity for Mercedes after losing his spot at Sauber.
Although there were rumors of Alpine considering Bottas, conversations with Briatore and Mercedes’ Toto Wolff, Briatore emphasized that there were no serious discussions regarding Bottas driving for Alpine.
Briatore expressed admiration for Bottas as a talented driver and acknowledged helping him secure a deal with Cadillac, highlighting that they engaged in some marketing activities. Briatore shared his view that they are seeking something different in the team’s future direction.”
