Briatore dismisses Alonso-Alpine return talk as Verstappen Mercedes move floated

Briatore cools Alonso-to-Alpine speculation

Flavio Briatore has played down the prospect of a major 2027 driver-market shake-up at Alpine, despite Fernando Alonso being linked with a surprise return to the French team.

But speaking to Italian outlet Moto.It, Briatore suggested the market may ultimately prove far quieter than the rumours indicate. His assessment was blunt: the only move he currently sees as a genuine possibility is Max Verstappen leaving Red Bull for Mercedes.

That line fits into a wider paddock conversation around Verstappen’s future, with recent reporting also covering how Verstappen’s Red Bull contract stance has been clarified amid ongoing speculation.

Alonso praised despite Aston Martin struggle

Briatore was careful not to dismiss Alonso’s quality. Instead, he pointed to the competitive limitations around him this year while underlining why the Spaniard remains such a significant figure in Formula 1.

“Unfortunately, Fernando doesn’t have a competitive car this year, but whenever he sees a glimmer of opportunity, he seizes it,” Briatore said. “Fernando is a phenomenon, just like Hamilton. I think both are good for F1; they are brands in their own right.”

For Alpine, however, the message is that sentiment alone will not dictate policy. Briatore said the team is happy with its current drivers, while leaving the door open to future evaluation if opportunities emerge.

“We’re happy with our drivers. We’ll see what happens in the future,” he said. “After all, my job is to figure out what we can achieve with the drivers we have and, if necessary, make changes. We’ll evaluate the opportunities. It’s a market reality that applies to the entire company.”

Gasly earns Briatore’s approval

Alpine’s own form has strengthened that position. After seven races in 2026, the team has delivered a series of impressive performances, helped by its transition to Mercedes power units. Pierre Gasly has scored points in every race he has finished, and his reinstated Monaco podium has been central to Alpine’s momentum, even as that decision has generated further scrutiny, as explored in Martin Brundle’s comments on the Gasly Monaco podium situation.

Gasly currently sits eighth in the championship with 41 points, 11 behind Verstappen. Briatore admitted the Frenchman has exceeded expectations.

“Pierre is another surprise,” he said. “Getting to know him, I’ve come to appreciate him greatly. He’s a guy who shows extraordinary commitment.”