Flavio Briatore: I came back to win.

      Before the Australian Grand Prix, Alpine advisor Flavio Briatore gave an interview in which he commented on rumors about the possible replacement of Jack Duane by Franco Colapinto during the season.

      Q: Why did you decide to return to Formula 1?Flavio Briatore: Luca DeMeo asked me to do this. He's a man with a vision for the future, and he convinced me. In addition, I am very attached to Renault, because this team still works at Enstone, where we won four titles – two with Michael Schumacher, and two with Fernando Alonso. I came back to win.

      Q: You continue to work with Fernando Alonso. What about Michael Schumacher? Do you communicate with his family?Flavio Briatore: I met Corinna Schumacher several times last year. Michael's fate broke my heart.

      Q: How much does Max Verstappen resemble Schumacher?Flavio Briatore: Max reminds me of Michael, Fernando and Ayrton Senna. Formula 1 needed such a driver. Everyone criticizes Max for his brilliant piloting, but this is complete nonsense! He brought a new energy to the sport. Formula 1 urgently needed a new star.

      Question: Let's talk about the present. Why do you believe in Alpine's success?Flavio Briatore: If everyone in the team comes together, we can be at the top in 2026 and compete for the title in 2027. The foundation of success has remained the same since the days of Michael and Fernando. I even have my old office.

      But first I had to wake up the staff. When I arrived in Enstone, the first thing I saw were a few people who were building a car, but they didn't care if it was going to be fast. Now the passion has returned to the team. Pierre Gasly is a great racer. I didn't know him before, but he did a great job.

      Q: In 2026, Alpine will switch to Mercedes engines. How did you manage to convince Renault CEO Luca DeMeo to take such a step?Flavio Briatore: I explained that it was necessary to be at the top and promote the Alpine brand. When success comes, it won't matter which engine made Alpine the winning team.

      Q: There are persistent rumors that Franco Colapinto will replace Jack Duane during the season. Is it so?Flavio Briatore: Everyone is looking for talent. This is the only way to win the title, because the driver is crucial. That's why I'm looking for fast riders who can win. In the end, the stopwatch decides everything: tick-tock, tick-tock. My duty is to find the best racer, but I'm not a killer.