Flavio Briatore has finally taken the helm at Alpine: Pierre Gasly praises the Italian’s influence on the team and explains where he is making the biggest impact
Flavio Briatore is back as “Big Boss” at Alpine: Just under a year ago, the colorful Italian joined the French team as a special advisor, and since Oliver Oakes’ resignation last Monday, Briatore is now finally the sole decision-maker – and, as team boss, back at the forefront of the action.
In keeping with his reputation, Briatore is getting straight down to business: starting in Imola, Franco Colapinto will be sitting in the second car alongside Pierre Gasly instead of Jack Doohan.
The Frenchman himself is likely to approve of his new boss’s role change, because before Gasly traveled to Paris on Sunday to watch Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League final against Arsenal London at the Parc des Princes during the week, the Alpine driver spoke highly of Briatore’s influence on the team:
Gasly on Briatore: “Someone who initiates change.”
“He drives the team forward in an impressive way. He tries to get the most out of every department and is very committed to putting the team in a better position,” Gasly enthuses about the new strong man at the French team: “He brings a lot of experience, an extensive network – and he is someone who initiates change.”
The Alpine driver believes: “Sometimes you need someone who challenges and pushes you, and that’s exactly what he does all the time. I think he has given the team a lot of valuable impetus.” Gasly is well aware, however: “Of course, ours is not a sport where things change fundamentally within two or three months. We need some time – but he is clearly ensuring that everyone is working in the right direction.”
It’s no secret in the paddock that Briatore is the key figure in Alpine’s bid to break into the top teams – but how exactly is the 75-year-old shaking things up at Enstone? “By questioning our processes and approaches, asking whether we’re really doing things in the best possible way,” Gasly reveals.
“We do a lot of things very well, but in this sport, continuous development is crucial. You have to constantly question how you are keeping up with the technology and how you can push the team forward,” says the Frenchman, who is therefore optimistic about the team’s future: ”I think he works well with the people. Overall, a lot of progress is being made behind the scenes.” He wants to show the Alpine under Briatore’s leadership on the track as quickly as possible…