Schumacher states that Briatore is 'too old' to come back as team principal.
"He's too old to be actively involved"
Flavio Briatore is considered "too old" to return to his previous position as a full-time Formula 1 team principal. This opinion comes from former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher as he reflected on recent significant changes at Alpine, including the dismissal of Jack Doohan.
There are speculations that Briatore and Oliver Oakes, the team boss who recently resigned, have disagreed about promoting Franco Colapinto mid-season from the very start. The rumors gained traction after this week's announcement regarding the Doohan-Colapinto swap for at least five races, which prompted both Briatore and the departing Oakes to release a statement.
"A lot has been said in the past 24 hours incorrectly linking Oli's resignation to a supposed disagreement," Briatore stated, adding that this assertion is "completely false." Oakes concurred, describing his decision to step down as a "personal choice."
Regarding Doohan, who is now in a reserve role, Schumacher does not necessarily oppose the demotion. "He’s certainly a really nice guy," he mentioned in reference to Mick Doohan’s son, "but just not good enough for Formula 1."
Concerning Colapinto, Schumacher also remarked to Sky Deutschland: "Briatore believes in him - and he also brings a lot of money with him."
What Schumacher clearly disagrees with is the notion that Briatore, who pledged to become "more and more involved" at Alpine following Oakes’ departure, is suitable to take over as the full-time team principal.
"In his (advisory) role and with his experience, he did a great job," the German acknowledged. "But he’s too old to be actively involved in the company every day as team principal."
Indeed, 75-year-old Briatore, who has had great success as the former head of Benetton and Renault, underwent heart surgery just last year.
Schumacher added: "Flavio will always follow his own path. That’s also why Oliver Oakes decided to exit. Flavio had no issue with Oakes leaving.
"From what I’ve gathered, Flavio takes charge of everything, but I certainly hope that’s not the case."
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Schumacher states that Briatore is 'too old' to come back as team principal.
Formula 1 | Former F1 driver Ralf believes that Flavio Briatore is too old to come back to his previous position as a full-time team principal in Formula 1.