No person cares in regards to the engine behind the automotive, insists Flavio Briatore as Alpine prepares to modify to Mercedes energy models.
The season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marked the 228th occasion for the reason that introduction of the hybrid method in 2014. In that point Mercedes has gained 124 races (54.4%), Honda/RBPT 64 (28.1%), Ferrari 23 (10.1%) and Renault 17 (7.5%).
Regardless of being one of many predominant driving forces behind the introduction of the hybrid method, the French producer, through the years a real innovator in issues motorsport, has failed miserably. A lot in order that from 2026, what is actually its personal works crew, will use engines provided by a rival producer.
Flavio Briatore, who oversaw title success with Benetton and Renault was introduced again into the fold by Renault Groupe CEO Luca de Meo, charged with bringing success again to the crew, and considered one of his first strikes was the shock announcement to drop the French producer’s personal engines.
“The French need to win,” he tells Auto Motor und Sport. “We do not win with our engine. It is so simple as that.
“If we need to win, we now have to surrender the areas by which we’re not aggressive,” he provides. “That is one much less drawback for us to fret about sooner or later. Let’s think about the automotive.”
Regardless of successive titles with Renault, as quickly because it grew to become clear that the French producer had made a significant incorrect flip when it comes to the hybrid models the connection with Crimson Bull soured quickly, the Austrian outfit determined to seek out an alternate provider. Nonetheless, with Mercedes out of the query it will definitely fashioned a partnership with Honda following a trial season utilizing Alpha Tauri.
Citing McLaren’s title success this 12 months, Briatore believes that almost all followers are unconcerned at what engine a crew is utilizing.
“McLaren turns into world champion with a Mercedes engine,” he says. “What number of occasions have you ever learn or heard about McLaren-Mercedes turning into world champions? By no means!
“Haas is Haas and never Haas-Ferrari,” he provides.
As for continued hypothesis over the crew’s future and the potential for it being offered, he says: “I do not perceive all this hypothesis. Since I joined Renault, the identical questions have all the time been requested. Once we gained the world championship title in 2005 and 2006, I used to be requested whether or not Renault wished to remain in Formulation 1.
“The reality is, I all the time bought what I wanted for the job from Renault,” he continues. “They respect that I’m cautious with their cash. I consider in effectivity. That is why I am now saving cash in all places within the areas that do not make my automotive sooner.
“I do not take into consideration what I will be doing in 5, 10 or 20 years’ time. I resolve what’s vital now.”
