Former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher has made a striking suggestion for Alpine’s future leadership. According to Schumacher, the era of Flavio Briatore is over, and the team should turn to someone with deep technical expertise — like Christian Horner — to take the helm.
“Charisma Isn’t Enough, Technical Knowledge Matters”
Speaking to German outlet Bild, Schumacher emphasized that modern F1 success requires more than just charismatic figures. “The time for personalities like Flavio has passed. Now, teams need leaders with strong technical knowledge. Someone like Horner would be the right profile for Alpine,” he said. While Schumacher acknowledged that Briatore could still contribute as an organizer or public figure, he argued that he isn’t suited for absolute leadership.
Horner’s Departure from Red Bull
These comments came shortly after Christian Horner’s surprising exit from Red Bull in July. After two decades of leadership, Horner handed over the team principal and CEO roles to Laurent Mekies. Although no official reason was disclosed, a performance decline and the departure of key staff members were widely discussed. Red Bull currently sits fourth in the championship, 365 points behind McLaren.
Briatore’s Role at Alpine
Briatore returned to Formula 1 in 2024 as a consultant for Alpine, marking his comeback to the paddock 15 years after the infamous “Crashgate” scandal. Following team principal Oliver Oakes’ resignation in May, Briatore assumed a more central role. However, with Steve Nielsen’s recent appointment as managing director, Alpine’s leadership structure is undergoing changes.
Alpine’s Big Decision Ahead of 2026
With new technical regulations set to take effect in 2026, Alpine faces a crucial decision regarding its leadership. Former driver Karun Chandhok suggested that Horner may need a break after 20 relentless years at the front line but admitted that Alpine could be a fascinating new chapter should Horner decide to continue.