No one cares in regards to the engine at the back of the automotive, insists Flavio Briatore as Alpine prepares to modify to Mercedes energy items.
The season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marked the 228th occasion because the introduction of the hybrid components 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 most important driving forces behind the introduction of the hybrid components, 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 workforce, 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 workforce, and one in every 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, now we have to surrender the areas during which we aren’t aggressive,” he provides. “That is one much less downside for us to fret about sooner or later. Let’s focus on the automotive.”
Regardless of successive titles with Renault, as quickly because it turned clear that the French producer had made a significant mistaken flip when it comes to the hybrid items the connection with Purple Bull soured quickly, the Austrian outfit determined to search 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 the majority followers are unconcerned at what engine a workforce 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 workforce’s future and the potential of 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 gained 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 obtained 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 automotive sooner.
“I do not take into consideration what I will be doing in 5, 10 or 20 years’ time. I determine what’s essential now.”
