The return effect Flavio Briatore it didn’t take long to arrive on F1. For better or for worse. The manager he brought in could not go unnoticed Michael Schumacher And Fernando Alonso to the first two world titles. His executive role in it is already being discussed Alpine. On the one hand, the former pilot Damon Hill he’s already going hard by bringing up crashgate and perhaps even unspecified magic tricks at the time of his duel with Schumi.
On the other hand, not even the pilots market is insensitive to the return of Briatore. Sainz has one more alternative even if in the last hours he still cradles the dream of a top team perhaps alongside Verstappen (!). But also Mick Schumacher he is among the possible Alpine pilots. While the passage of talent is increasingly certain Ferrari, Oliver Bearman at Haas for next season. In short, a lot of irons in the fire.
Damon Hill against Briatore’s return: “We don’t want new scams”
Explicit like few others. The former F1 driver, Damon Hillson of art and world champion in ’96 with Williams shot to zero against the return of Flavio Briatore who last Friday was appointed executive advisor by the Alpine team. Harsh words to Sky UK:
“Briatore’s return leaves me disappointed, incredulous and disconcerted. Flavio has always been an excellent advance player. He doesn’t care about the rules: That’s how he got into trouble. All this worries me: we have already tried to resolve bad events and we don’t want to return to a world with cheating that leave a bad taste in the mouth.”
Damon Hill directly or indirectly brings up crashgate but perhaps he removes a few pebbles in his shoe relating to the period in which he dueled with Schumacher’s Benetton on the Williams with Briatore himself at the wall with many controversies and stamped papers relating to those years. “This is the way it has always operatedbut maybe he understood the problems before other people. – Hill adds – Everyone told me that Flavio has brilliant ideas in this sport, but what will he bring? Is this what Alpine wants in the future? Briatore is not young, although perhaps he will be able to encourage the team to make bolder decisions. Alpine has to deal with itself.”
Flavio Briatore’s effect on F1: a tsunami in a glass of water
There was, there has always been (indirectly or otherwise), there will be. Flavio Briatore since last weekend he was announced as executive director by Alpine. But if it’s true that Briatore has not played an official role in F1 since 2009the year in which he was expelled from the Circus following the famous Crashgatewhen he was Renault’s team principal in that fateful Singapore GP in 2008 when Nelsinho Piqueta Renault driver, deliberately crashed to bring in a safety car and favor the victory of Alonso, his teammate.
Briatore was then exonerated a few months later. Although he never returned to official roles in F1 he never completely left the scene. Often spotted in the company of the other team principals, he still looks after Fernando Alonso’s interests. While in recent years, thanks to his friendship with Stefano Domenicali, he has returned from the back door, taking care of hospitality, entertainment and everything that is part of the F1 GP event.
Briatore effect on the drivers market: Sainz tempted, Schumacher chance
One of the first tasks of Flavio Briatore in Alpine will be the one to outline the driver line up for 2025. TO Esteban Ocon has already been given the boot a few weeks ago heading towards the Haas. It seemed that Gasley should follow him. Instead, the latest performances, his and the constantly improving single-seater, which has returned to the points zone on a permanent basis, suggest a French confirmation.
Briatore could put a ninety caliber alongside him. The image of Flavione intent on talking to Carlos Sainz senior in Spain has fueled rumors of Alpine’s inclusion in the race for the Spanish driver leaving Ferrari. The supply of Mercedes engines could convince Sainz jr to accept Briatore’s court. Although Williams remains on pole for Sainz with Audi/Sauber more secluded.
If Sainz doesn’t arrive there could be an internal solution. In this sense Mick Schumacher will test the Alpine at Paul Ricard next week, July 3rd. The German, son of the great Michael who Briatore led to win the first two world championships, will get behind the wheel of the A522 (the 2022 car as per the TPC Testing of Previous Cars regulations), together with Jack Doohan.
F1, drivers market: Sainz suggestion Red Bull, Bearman-Haas there is the announcement date
You know Carlos Sainz hoped for a top team after leaving Ferrari. She has long hoped for Mercedes which instead veered towards the promotion of home-grown talent Andrea Kimi Antonelli. He also hoped for Red Bull before Checo Perez’s renewal. But if hope is the last to die, the Mexican’s latest performances could even put his stay in the Milton Keys team in the balance. And then Sainz would be back in fashion. This is a joke, obviously, but in F1 you never say never.
What is certain however is that Haas will announce the signing of Oliver Bearman ahead of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone next week, with the 19-year-old driver Ferrari who stood out in Arabia when he replaced Sainz, ready to return behind the wheel of the VF-24 for his next FP1 session scheduled with the team.
For the rest, the one who risks being left holding the bag is Audi, which has long courted Sainz but has been overtaken first by Williams and now also by Alpine. The CEO Andrea Seidl he even tried it with Yuki Tsunoda, but the Japanese was confirmed by Visa CashApp RB. At this point the candidacy of Liam Lawson. The New Zealand driver who stood out last year by replacing Daniel Ricciardo on the then AlphaTauri is waiting to understand whether Racing Bulls will exercise the option on him for next season, taking over the steering wheel right from Ricciardo. Otherwise Liam will be able to make agreements with other teams.
