When Flavio Briatore was appointed as executive advisor at Alpine last year, the 75-year-old made no secret of his ambitions.
Having overseen the Enstone team during it’s glory years in 2005 and 2006, Briatore has been consistent in declaring race wins and Championships as Alpine’s goal.
The Italian has even set 2026 as the year when Alpine must begin winning races, with a title fight being the objective in 2027.
However, the French squad’s objectives are in stark contrast to their on-track performance.
Currently last in the standings, Alpine need to rebound quickly in 2026.
Alpine regress after tumultuous 2025 campaign
Not for the first time, Alpine were surrounded by controversy and uncertainty last year.
The first moment of instability came after the Monaco GP, where an incident between Gasly and Ocon created a rift within the team.
Bruno Famin, who was team principal at the time, blamed Ocon for the incident. He even suggested the Frenchman would face “consequences” for making contact with his teammate.
Famin’s reaction, especially given Gasly caused a far more costly incident the year before in Australia, was objectively disproportionate – and effectively pushed Ocon to explore alternatives.
When Ocon’s departure was announced, Alpine’s search for a replacement dominated headlines surrounding the team.
Despite the volatility of the Enstone team’s driver situation, this has been secondary to their downturn in form.
Fundamentally, the A525 has been the slowest car on the grid this season.
For a team who finished 6th last year, their decline has been relatively dramatic.
In the context of their departure from Renault engines in favour of Mercedes, there have been questions about Alpine’s long-term commitment to the sport.
Although Alpine have denied any such speculation, rumours will continue to follow the team unless results improve significantly in 2026.
No excuse after signing Mercedes engine deal
With next year being of such importance, Alpine’s switch to Mercedes engines will be immediately under the microscope.
It is true that since the 2022 regulations began, Renault has been the worst engine in F1.
The difference between Renault and the other three manufacturers (Mercedes, Honda and Ferrari) is estimated as being roughly three tenths.
The power unit’s poor electrical efficiency is also a big problem, which is especially costly on race day.
Because of this, assuming Mercedes make a strong engine in 2026, the change could be seen as a common-sense move.
At the same time, Alpine’s unwillingness to invest in their own engine department could also be viewed as a limit to their commitment to winning in Formula 1.
Speaking after the Belgian GP, Flavio Briatore discussed where the team stands:
“It is a big challenge, as all of our focus is on 2026 and capitalising on the opportunity of the new regulations.
“Now is a critical phase in our work for next year. And I know the team at Enstone is making positive headway on that project.
“I expect everyone to come back from the summer break, with a lot of determination and fighting spirit.
“Giving it our all to finish the season as strongly as possible, and make sure we’re ready for 2026.”
Main photo: Joe Portlock/Getty Images (via Alpine media gallery)
