Recent senior team ‘advisor’ Flavio Briatore did not take long to aim for former Alpine management as a storm brews over Renault’s engine future. When Flavio Briatore takes up his role as special advisor at Alpine, he inherits not only a team struggling on the track, but also a brewing internal crisis that threatens to reshape the future of Renault’s involvement in Formula One.

At the centre of the controversy is the Viry-Chatillon plant near Paris, where Renault’s engines have been built for decades. The plant’s 334 employees, who have been at the heart of Renault’s F1 efforts, are now urging the company to reconsider a proposal that could see the end of their involvement in the sport – a move they describe as a betrayal of Renault’s rich motorsport heritage.

 

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The Viry-Chatillon plant has been a cornerstone of Renault’s F1 operations, producing the engines that power the British Enstone-based Alpine team. Currently, the French plant is in the midst of developing a new engine for 2026, coinciding with a major overhaul of the sport’s regulations.

However, reports have emerged that Renault management is considering scrapping in-house engine production altogether in favour of buying engines from Mercedes, a decision that could cut the company’s costs from $120 million to just $17 million.

A statement issued by the Social and Economic Council of the Viry workers condemned the proposed plan, which is expected to be decided by 30 September. The employees expressed their deep concern that such a move would not only mark the end of a 50-year tradition of French engineering ‘excellence’, but also tarnish the legacy of Alpine founder Jean Redele, who believed in the power of French innovation and expertise to compete at the highest levels of motorsport.

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“For the Alpine F1 team to turn to a foreign engine today would be a betrayal of this vision and a shameful abandonment of the team’s legacy and 50 years of high-tech history and expertise,” the statement said. Employees have called on Renault CEO Luca de Meo and the company’s board of directors to reverse what they see as an ill-advised and damaging decision.

Despite the mounting pressure, Renault have yet to comment on the reports. Meanwhile, Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff has indicated that a decision from Alpine regarding their engine programme is imminent.

Briatore, who was appointed as De Meo’s F1 advisor in June, has distanced himself from the controversy, stating that the engine decision is entirely in the hands of Renault’s senior management. However, he did point out that teams such as McLaren, who use Mercedes engines, have been successful, suggesting that Alpine could potentially succeed with a similar arrangement.

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Briatore harsh verdict on previous management

In the midst of this uncertainty, Briatore has wasted no time in making his influence felt at Alpine. Known for his no-nonsense style and decisive leadership, he has launched a scathing attack on Alpine’s previous management, blaming poor leadership for the team’s recent struggles.

According to Briatore, the team’s decline can be directly attributed to ineffective management – a failure he summed up bluntly: “There was no management.”

“I think Alpine’s problem was exactly that,” Briatore explained.

“At some point they hired the wrong managers. The list of bad choices is quite long – and unfortunately we don’t have a list of good ones.”

Drawing on his extensive experience, Briatore highlighted the challenges of managing the Enstone team, describing it as a “big monster” that requires constant attention. He criticised the distance of the previous management, suggesting that their physical absence had contributed to the team’s decline.

“It is very difficult to manage a team like Alpine from Paris or wherever. You have to be there every day,” he added.

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The selection of Oliver Oakes

In response to the management crisis, Briatore has put his faith in Oliver Oakes, a young and ambitious leader who is now at the helm of Alpine. At just 36, Oakes is the youngest team principal in the F1 paddock and his appointment marks a significant step up from his previous role as head of junior team Hitech. Despite his relative inexperience at this level, Briatore believes Oakes has what it takes to lead Alpine back to success.

“I interviewed three or four candidates and I had a good feeling about Oakes,” explained Briatore.

“I think I’m pretty good at picking people. I’m convinced that Oliver is the right choice for the team. And he’s English, so the boys are very happy.”

Described by Briatore as “enthusiastic, young, with a lot of power and ambition”, Oakes is seen as a perfect fit for a team in need of rejuvenation. Briatore stressed the importance of having passionate, dedicated people at the helm, individuals who understand the intricacies of both the factory and the track.

“He may not have experience in such a big team, but he has the talent to be successful,” said Briatore.

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Oakes’ perspective: Cautious optimism

Despite Briatore’s strong words, Oakes himself has adopted a more measured tone regarding the situation at Alpine. He has refrained from direct criticism of the previous management, instead focusing on the future and the potential that lies within the team.

“I’m not here to sling mud,” Oakes made clear, although he did acknowledge the impact of poor leadership on the team’s past failures.

“It’s easy to point fingers. There has been a lot of talk in the past. It’s frustrating, but it’s not my style.”

Determined to shift the focus back to racing, Oakes insists that the team’s current personnel are not to blame for their struggles.

“We’ve got some fantastic people here, but it’s not the people’s fault. It’s the fault of the previous management,” he said. According to Oakes, Alpine’s Enstone base still has a unique “racing spirit and history” that money cannot buy, a foundation he believes is crucial to future success.

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Looking Forward: A realistic target for 2027

While Briatore is eager to see Alpine return to winning ways, he is also realistic about the time it will take to achieve this. Instead of making grand promises, he has set a clear goal for the team: to be regularly on the podium by 2027.

“Our situation is not ideal. You have known me for 30 years and I will tell you the truth: Formula 1 is very difficult at the moment because the competition is so strong. So many teams have the chance to win and we have to be ready to overcome this competition,” admitted Briatore.

To achieve this, Briatore stressed the need for a cohesive team with a shared ambition to succeed.

“We don’t need a team with a lot of people, but a top team is one where everyone works together and has the same ambition to be at the top,” he said, referring to the successful models of Benetton and Renault under his leadership.

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The road ahead

As Briatore takes the reins at Alpine, the road ahead is full of challenges. But with a clear vision and a renewed sense of purpose, he is confident that the team can recapture the spirit of its glory days.

“We are not just here as tourists, we are part of F1 to win again one day,” he declared.

Although the road may be long, Briatore remains optimistic.

“I promise you the situation will be better when we sit here again in a year’s time,” he said.

“But we have to be realistic. It will take time. Our goal is to be competitive again in 2027.”

As Alpine begin this new chapter, all eyes will be on Enstone to see if Briatore’s bold words can be translated into the success he so desperately seeks.

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