No person cares concerning the engine behind the automobile, insists Flavio Briatore as Alpine prepares to change to Mercedes energy items.
The season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marked the 228th occasion because the introduction of the hybrid system 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 system, the French producer, over time a real innovator in issues motorsport, has failed miserably. A lot in order that from 2026, what is basically its personal works staff, 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 staff, and one in all 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 have now to surrender the areas by which we aren’t 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 serious improper flip by way of the hybrid items the connection with Pink Bull soured quickly, the Austrian outfit determined to search out another provider. Nevertheless, 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 staff is utilizing.
“McLaren turns into world champion with a Mercedes engine,” he says. “What number of instances 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 staff’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 all the time been requested. After we received the world championship title in 2005 and 2006, I used to be requested whether or not Renault wished to remain in Components 1.
“The reality is, I all the time 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 all over the 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 resolve what’s essential now.”
