Flavio Briatore, the executive adviser and de facto team principal of the Alpine Formula 1 team, has emphasized that acquiring Max Verstappen would be the quickest way for Alpine to secure world championship titles. Speaking ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix, Briatore highlighted that signing the Dutch driver would immediately elevate the team’s prospects, combining his experience with Alpine’s ambitions to win races and titles.
The 75-year-old Italian businessman shared insights on Alpine’s strategic choices, including transitioning to Mercedes power units, and the team’s expectations under the upcoming 2026 regulations.
Strategic Changes in Power Units and Future Competitiveness
Briatore acknowledged the challenge in switching to Mercedes engines but stressed its necessity for victory in Formula 1. He said that Alpine was previously at a disadvantage due to historical reasons but expects to level the playing field moving forward.
“We can win races in 2026, I guarantee it! And in 2027 we want to compete for the world title. The switch to Mercedes power was a very difficult decision, but to win in this sport you need to have the same tools as everyone else. For a million reasons rooted in the past, we were behind in that respect.”
He further emphasized Alpine’s commitment by praising Renault and Luca de Meo for their roles in making bold decisions necessary for competitiveness under the new F1 regulations introduced in 2026.
“In 2026, we have no more excuses; we have to be competitive. We owe it to Renault, Alpine, and Luca de Meo, who took full responsibility with such a brave decision. We are here to win, and with the new regulations for 2026, the teams that interpret them best will have an advantage,” he added.
The Realities of Signing Max Verstappen and Driver Movements
Asked about the feasibility of winning a title soon, Briatore admitted that signing Max Verstappen would be the most straightforward path but acknowledged the limitations Alpine currently faces.
“The easiest way to win is to sign Max Verstappen, but we can’t do that. So we have to make do with what we have,”
In recent weeks, Alpine has experienced significant driver shifts, including Franco Colapinto replacing Jack Doohan after the Miami Grand Prix. Meanwhile, rumors persist around Verstappen’s future at Red Bull, fueled by concerns over their recent struggles against teams like McLaren, Mercedes, and Ferrari. Although Alpine is not currently linked directly with Verstappen, the upcoming regulatory overhaul in 2026 may position the team as a more attractive option should the Dutch driver seek a fresh challenge.
Max Verstappen Reflects on His Future in Formula 1
During the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen, a four-time world champion, addressed ongoing speculation about his career path. Despite widespread rumors of a potential move from Red Bull, Verstappen downplayed these discussions, focusing instead on his current performance and team relationships.
“A lot of people are talking about it, except me. I just want to focus on my car, work with the people in the team. That’s the only thing that I’m thinking about in F1 at the moment. I’m very relaxed.”
Verstappen’s link to other teams, such as Aston Martin, which recently acquired Adrian Newey as chief designer and strengthened its partnership with Honda—the engine supplier behind all of Verstappen’s championship victories—adds complexity to the ongoing speculation. Whether Verstappen will stay with Red Bull or switch teams before the 2026 season remains uncertain, but Alpine’s evolving situation and upcoming rule changes could influence his decision.
The Significance of Alpine’s Plans for the Future
Alpine’s focus on improved competitiveness through technical changes and a desire to win world championships highlights the growing importance of strategic decisions in F1’s shifting landscape. While signing Max Verstappen remains a challenging prospect, the team‘s commitment to Mercedes power and driver development reflects its determination to close the gap with leading teams. How Alpine adapts to the 2026 regulations and captures key talent will be critical in shaping their success in forthcoming seasons.
