Bernie Ecclestone, the F1 kingpin emeritus, is likely to be out of the official Components 1 sport, however his affect stays potent as does his nostril for a superb deal.
So, when Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo reached out to Ecclestone for recommendation on proper the Alpine ship, the 93-year-old former F1 supremo knew simply the “bandit” for the job.
Flavio Briatore, a reputation synonymous with controversy and success in F1 and a person who has by no means shied away from disrupting the established order, was the right candidate.
With a popularity for shaking issues up and delivering outcomes, the flamboyant Italian’s return to the fray as Alpine’s government advisor was seen as a daring transfer.
“I spoke to Renault boss Luca de Meo on the telephone for a very long time,” Ecclestone instructed Blick. “He was determined.
“Then the phrase Briatore got here up. We rapidly agreed that in such a complicated scenario solely a doer, a bandit amongst angels, may assist. And there are sufficient saints within the grand prix circus.”
For de Meo, Ecclestone’s endorsement was greater than only a suggestion; it was a name to arms, a problem to reclaim the glory days of Renault.
“Flavio’s nice energy has all the time been: ‘Hold the discussions quick, do and suppose huge!’” added Ecclestone. “You do not want mates in Components 1, you simply want success.”
Briatore’s return to Enstone indicators a brand new chapter for Alpine. Identified for his risk-taking and unorthodox strategies, Briatore is poised to inject a contemporary wave of power into the staff.
Simply days after his appointment as government advisor, with ‘carte blanche’ from De Meo to vary no matter he sees match, the Italian made two concrete strikes.
He tabled a late bid for Carlos Sainz’s companies and beneficial that Alpine abandon its 2026 F1 engine program to turn out to be a buyer staff, presumably with Mercedes as its energy unit provider.
As Alpine gears up for the longer term, the paddock buzzes with anticipation, desperate to see if this “bandit amongst angels” can lead the French squad to glory as soon as extra.
In that case, de Meo could have one worthwhile guide to thank: one Bernard Charles Ecclestone.
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