Briatore reveals surprise Alonso signing attempt – Flavio Briatore opens up about a major turning point in Fernando Alonso’s career – In the high-stakes world of Formula One, career-defining moments often happen behind closed doors, away from the roar of engines and the spotlight of race weekends. Legacies are made in boardrooms, in late-night phone calls and in tense negotiations. For drivers at the pinnacle of motorsport, opportunities come and go quickly – some fading into mere whispers of what might have been.

For Fernando Alonso, a two-time world champion and one of F1’s most enduring figures, such a moment unfolded during a period of uncertainty at his former team. With frustrations mounting and options on the table, the Spaniard’s future hung in the balance. It was during this turbulent chapter that his manager, Flavio Briatore, emerged as a critical figure, guiding Alonso towards a decision that would reignite his career in spectacular fashion.

Now, Briatore sheds light on the behind-the-scenes discussions that led to this turning point – conversations that included surprising offers and harsh assessments of rival teams. The Italian’s revelations offer an insight into how one of the most significant driver moves in recent history came about, and why it proved to be the perfect decision.

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Flavio Briatore reveals Fernando Alonso has been approached by Williams

Williams’ pursuit of a superstar amid growing tensions

Flavio Briatore, Fernando Alonso’s longtime manager and current Formula One advisor at Alpine, has revealed that Williams tried to recruit the two-time world champion before his eventual move to Aston Martin.

The surprising revelation came during an interview with *Auto Motor und Sport*, where Briatore detailed how Williams’ approach unfolded during a turbulent period for Alonso at Alpine.

The timeline of this attempted deal coincided with growing tensions between Alonso and the Alpine management. Williams, a team in desperate need of an experienced driver to revive their project, saw Alonso as the ideal candidate to lead their revival. However, despite their best efforts, Briatore steered Alonso in a different direction, ultimately facilitating his move to Aston Martin for the 2023 season – a decision that has proven to be a masterstroke for both driver and team.

While Williams’ attempt to secure Alonso failed, the move serves as a stark reminder of the Spaniard’s enduring stature and appeal in the F1 paddock, even as he approaches his third decade in the sport.

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Alpine’s missteps and communication breakdown

In the interview, Briatore openly discusses the series of events that led to Alonso’s departure from Alpine, shedding light on the breakdown in communication that played a significant role. According to the Italian, Alonso was initially open to continuing with the Enstone team, especially after a relatively competitive season in 2022.

However, as the negotiations progressed, a lack of coherence within Alpine’s upper management began to derail the talks.

“Fernando wanted to stay because the previous season wasn’t that bad,” explained Briatore. “We were going to sign the contract in Canada. Then [former CEO] Laurent Rossi suddenly disappeared. We were unable to contact him.”

The sudden radio silence from Alpine’s top management was a crucial turning point. It was during this period of uncertainty that Briatore began to explore other options for Alonso, including talks with Williams and Aston Martin. Williams, keen to capitalise on Alpine’s mismanagement, made a persuasive approach to Alonso. But Briatore remained unconvinced that the historic Grove-based team were ready for a driver of Alonso’s calibre.

“We even had an offer from Williams. I told them to put their house in order first,” said Briatore bluntly.

The lack of stability at Williams, combined with Aston Martin’s ambitious project and clear leadership under Lawrence Stroll, made the decision relatively easy.

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Why Williams wanted Alonso: A gamble for experience

For Williams, Alonso represented an opportunity to bring much-needed experience and leadership to the team. Having struggled in the bottom half of the grid for several years, Williams has been in a rebuilding phase under the ownership of Dorilton Capital.

While the team has shown flashes of improvement, including standout performances from Alex Albon, it remains a far cry from its championship-winning days.

In pursuing Alonso, Williams hoped to accelerate its progress with a proven race-winning driver who could enhance not only its on-track performance, but also its off-track credibility and appeal. Alonso’s extensive experience with several teams – Ferrari, McLaren, Alpine and now Aston Martin – would have been an invaluable asset to Williams, both in terms of car development and attracting further investment.

However, Briatore’s scepticism about Williams’ readiness was not unfounded. While the team was improving, it lacked the infrastructure and resources of some of its rivals. Bringing in a driver like Alonso without a solid base would have been a risky move – one that ultimately didn’t materialise.

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The role of Aston Martin and Lawrence Stroll

While Williams failed to lure Alonso, the Spaniard’s eventual move to Aston Martin was nothing short of transformative. Briatore highlighted the role of Lawrence Stroll, Aston Martin’s team owner, in securing the deal at a critical time. Stroll’s vision, financial backing and clear strategy were key factors in convincing both Briatore and Alonso of Aston Martin’s potential.

“I started talking to Lawrence Stroll, the owner of Aston Martin,” Briatore revealed.

“In the end we signed with Aston Martin because we couldn’t get on with the management of Alpine.”

Stroll’s efforts to build a competitive team were already evident, with significant investment in personnel, facilities and car development. For Alonso, the move offered a fresh start with a team that not only valued his experience but also offered a clear upward trajectory.

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Alpine’s double loss: Alonso and Piastri

Briatore’s comments also underlined the extent of Alpine’s mismanagement of the 2022 season, which saw the team lose not only Alonso but also promising young talent Oscar Piastri. Piastri, who was Alpine’s reserve driver at the time, controversially signed for McLaren after a contract dispute – another situation that exposed cracks in Alpine’s leadership.

“Losing two drivers like Fernando Alonso and Oscar Piastri in the same summer was a bit difficult,” admitted Briatore.

The double departure left Alpine scrambling to fill the void, and it remains a cautionary tale of how internal disarray can cost a team two of the most sought-after drivers on the grid.

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The bigger picture: Alonso’s resurgence with Aston Martin

Alonso’s move to Aston Martin has proved to be one of the most successful driver transfers in recent F1 history. The team’s impressive performance in the 2023 season, including podium finishes and a consistent presence in the top five, has vindicated both Alonso and Briatore’s decision.

For Alonso, the move has not only extended his illustrious career, but also allowed him to compete at a high level once again.

At 42, the two-time World Champion continues to defy age and expectations, proving himself to be one of the most formidable and adaptable drivers in the sport.

The success of Alonso’s partnership with Aston Martin also reflects the importance of strong leadership and a clear vision – qualities that were lacking in his final months at Alpine and seemingly absent from Williams when they approached him.

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What could have been for Williams?

Although Williams’ pursuit of Fernando Alonso ultimately failed, it highlights the team’s ambition to return to the upper echelons of Formula One. The attempt is testament to Alonso’s enduring value and influence, even as younger talent continues to emerge.

For Williams, the focus now shifts to building a more competitive platform to attract top talent in the future. For Alpine, the events of 2022 remain a stark reminder of how quickly a team can unravel without cohesive leadership. Meanwhile, Aston Martin and Alonso continue to reap the rewards of a decision in many ways orchestrated by the ever-influential Flavio Briatore.

As the F1 paddock continues to evolve, this episode serves as another fascinating chapter in the career of Fernando Alonso, a driver whose story is far from over.

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MORE F1 NEWS – End of the road for Perez at Red Bull as successor confirmed

Liam Lawson to partner Max Verstappen in 2025 after Perez’s difficult season – Sergio Perez’s journey with Red Bull Racing has officially come to an end. After a challenging and inconsistent 2024 season, the Mexican driver’s departure from the team has been confirmed.

His replacement has already been chosen: the young and promising Liam Lawson, who brings with him previous Formula 1 experience and a reputation for fearless racing.

This significant shake-up will see the 22-year-old New Zealander partnering three-time (or more) world champion Max Verstappen from the 2025 F1 season, as Red Bull looks to maintain its dominance and stability after an inconsistent constructors’ campaign in 2024…READ MORE ON THIS STORY