No one cares concerning the engine at the back of the automobile, insists Flavio Briatore as Alpine prepares to change to Mercedes energy models.
The season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marked the 228th occasion because the introduction of the hybrid method in 2014. In that point Mercedes has received 124 races (54.4%), Honda/RBPT 64 (28.1%), Ferrari 23 (10.1%) and Renault 17 (7.5%).
Regardless of being one of many major 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 group, will use engines equipped 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 group, and one in all his first strikes was the shock announcement to drop the French producer’s personal engines.
“The French wish to win,” he tells Auto Motor und Sport. “We do not win with our engine. It is so simple as that.
“If we wish to win, we’ve got to surrender the areas through which we’re not aggressive,” he provides. “That is one much less downside for us to fret about sooner or later. Let’s consider the automobile.”
Regardless of successive titles with Renault, as quickly because it turned clear that the French producer had made a significant unsuitable flip by way of the hybrid models the connection with Crimson Bull soured quickly, the Austrian outfit determined to seek out another provider. Nevertheless, with Mercedes out of the query it will definitely shaped 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 group 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 changing into world champions? By no means!
“Haas is Haas and never Haas-Ferrari,” he provides.
As for continued hypothesis over the group’s future and the potential for it being bought, he says: “I do not perceive all this hypothesis. Since I joined Renault, the identical questions have at all times been requested. Once we received the world championship title in 2005 and 2006, I used to be requested whether or not Renault needed to remain in Components 1.
“The reality is, I at all times acquired 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 every single place within the areas that do not make my automobile quicker.
“I do not take into consideration what I will be doing in 5, 10 or 20 years’ time. I determine what’s essential now.”
