Briatore: New Renault CEO ‘very enthusiastic’ about Alpine in F1

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Alpine executive advisor Flavio Briatore has dismissed concerns about the Formula 1 team’s future following a leadership shakeup at parent company Renault, insisting that the new CEO, Francois Provost, is fully committed to the sport.

The Renault Group appointed the 57-year-old executive in July following the departure of Luca de Meo, sparking questions over how the shake-up might affect Alpine’s commitment to F1.

But despite Alpine languishing at the bottom of the 2025 Constructors’ Championship, Briatore remains optimistic, emphasizing continuity and ambition as the team prepares for the 2026 season.

Renault Wants to Stay in Formula 1

“The new CEO is very enthusiastic about the Formula 1 programme,” Briatore told reporters in Zandvoort on Friday.

“Renault wants to stay in Formula 1. I believe Francois is in Monza [next week] for the first race. I know him very well and really, the programme is the same.

“The chairman, [Jean-Dominique] Senard, is very supportive of Formula 1. We need better results – this is what we need for next year. But this year is very complicated for us.”

The team’s focus has shifted to 2026, when new regulations and the switch to Mercedes power units offer a fresh start. However, Briatore conceded that Alpine may have misjudged its development approach this year.

“We put a lot of effort into the 2026 car, but it’s not easy to interpret the rules. Maybe we made a mistake by not having any steps from the beginning of the season to now, and we pay for that.

“As well, in this moment, two or three tenths, it’s 10 or 15 cars. We know we have a big handicap with power, with the engine. We hope to forget this year and be happy in 2026.

“That’s what we hope in this moment. I hope as well that the new chairman of Renault is very supportive and for the moment, in the Renault Group, there’s no drama, no change. Everybody’s happy.”

Nielsen Appointment Brings Experience Back to Enstone

Alongside Renault’s leadership reshuffle, Alpine also announced in July that Steve Nielsen will become managing director of the F1 team.

The Briton, who worked as sporting director during Renault’s championship-winning campaigns, is seen as a stabilizing force after the abrupt departure of team principal Oliver Oakes earlier this season.

Incoming Alpine managing director, Steve Nielsen.

“It’s good, I know Steve a long time,” Briatore said. “He was with me at the time of Renault and we need somebody like Steve, we need a team manager, we need somebody who knows the system, somebody who knows the people and somebody coordinating the team from A to Z.

“It is not only one job I expect from Steve, I expect Steve to be in charge from A to Z – basically is what the managing director is doing.

“I'm happy to have Steve next week, I believe the first day is Monday and we have the first race with Steve in Monza.”

With Briatore upbeat about Renault’s corporate support and Nielsen stepping into a pivotal management role, Alpine is aiming to put a turbulent period behind it and reset ahead of 2026, even if the present campaign remains a struggle.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.