Flavio Briatore’s Future at Alpine in Doubt Amid Horner and BYD…. read more 👇
Uncertainty continues to surround the future of the Alpine Formula 1 team, with reports suggesting that Flavio Briatore could leave the organisation while several major parties explore opportunities to invest in or potentially take over the Enstone-based outfit.
Briatore, who currently serves as Alpine’s executive advisor and has effectively taken on a leadership role within the team, is reportedly expected to remain only until the end of the current season. Questions have intensified over both his long-term future and Renault’s overall commitment to Formula 1.
Former Red Bull team principal has repeatedly been linked with Alpine in recent months. Speculation surrounding Horner’s interest is largely tied to the possibility of acquiring a stake in the team, especially with Otro Capital’s reported 24 percent share potentially available for sale. Some rumours have even suggested Horner may want to build a team project of his own through Alpine.
However, Horner is not believed to be the only influential figure monitoring the situation. has also reportedly explored the possibility of buying into Alpine, a move that has already sparked debate within the Formula 1 paddock.
The idea of Mercedes becoming partially involved with Alpine has raised concerns among rival teams, particularly over the possibility of creating another close manufacturer alliance similar to the relationship between Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls. recently voiced his concerns by reportedly writing to FIA president , warning against the growing trend of “A and B teams” within Formula 1.
According to Brazilian journalist Julianne Cerasoli, speaking on Canal UOL’s Pole Position program, Briatore’s role at Alpine may soon come to an end. She claimed that while he may remain with the team through the rest of the year, major strategic decisions should no longer be in his hands.
Cerasoli suggested the larger issue revolves around Renault’s internal uncertainty regarding Formula 1 itself. She pointed out that doubts about Renault’s long-term involvement in the sport are not new, recalling that similar discussions existed even during the championship-winning era of in the mid-2000s.
The situation has become even more intriguing with the emergence of Chinese automotive giant as another potential player in Alpine’s future. Earlier this year, BYD vice president reportedly met with Formula 1 CEO during the Shanghai Grand Prix weekend. During those discussions, BYD is believed to have expressed interest in entering Formula 1, either by supporting an existing team or potentially becoming part of a future twelfth team project.
Fuel was added to the rumours when Horner was later seen attending a BYD-related event during the Cannes Film Festival. Reports also suggested he met with BYD chairman , further strengthening speculation that the former Red Bull boss could attempt a return to Formula 1 in partnership with the Chinese manufacturer.
Cerasoli explained that BYD’s emergence appeared to coincide directly with the Mercedes discussions, almost as if rival investment groups were positioning themselves against each other in the battle for influence at Alpine.
She also noted that Renault’s structure makes decision-making especially complicated because of the French government’s involvement in the company. As a mixed-capital organisation, Renault often faces slower and more unpredictable strategic processes than privately controlled competitors.
Despite all the speculation, no clear direction has yet emerged regarding Alpine’s future. Renault could still choose to remain fully committed to Formula 1, scale back its involvement, or even allow outside investors to reshape the team entirely.
One major talking point remains Alpine’s upcoming use of customer engines rather than Renault power units, a move many observers believe weakens the team’s identity as a manufacturer-backed operation. For critics, a Renault-owned team competing with another company’s engines creates more questions about the manufacturer’s long-term intentions in Formula 1.
With interest growing from Horner, Mercedes, and BYD, Alpine may soon find itself at the centre of one of Formula 1’s biggest ownership battles.