Alpine F1 Team’s comeback: Why we believe in it?
The past few months have been intense for Alpine F1, as the team heads into the 2025 season with a very different approach compared to the previous year. After a challenging 2024 season marked by performance struggles, the Franco-British outfit finally seems to be on the right track. But is this rise in form enough to threaten the top teams?
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Alpine worked hard this winter and sees renewed hope
Last season, Alpine F1 Team endured a nightmare start, with a car far below expectations. However, the team seems to have learned from its mistakes and is now showing renewed confidence. Oliver Oakes, who took over in 2024, is clear: this year’s preparation has been much smoother. Unlike the usual last-minute adjustments and doubts, Alpine approached the Bahrain winter tests with a well-structured plan. The result? Three productive days of testing, a car that appears more balanced, and a determined driver lineup.
Speaking of drivers: Pierre Gasly, now a key figure in the team, doesn’t hide his optimism and emphasizes the positive momentum within Alpine, highlighting key changes and improvements. He’s satisfied with the team’s energy and is ready to push forward. Meanwhile, Jack Doohan, making his full-season F1 debut, is eager to prove himself:
“Racing at home in Australia is a dream come true. I’ve worked hard for this opportunity, and I’m going to give it everything.”
Flavio Briatore’s return: A game-changing move
The return of Flavio Briatore as a special advisor marked a major turning point for Alpine. The former Benetton and Renault boss, who led both teams to championship success in the ’90s and 2000s, is back with a clear vision: rebuild Alpine from the ground up and aim for victories by 2026. His influence is already visible: a management overhaul, key recruitments, and a bold strategic decision—abandoning in-house engine development at Viry-Châtillon to become a Mercedes customer team in 2026. This shift wasn’t easy for French fans to digest, but Briatore remains firm in his stance: “If we want to win, we have to be realistic. We need the best engine and a strong team.” The comparison to his past successes with Benetton and Renault is obvious. Back then, he attracted top talent and structured the team for championship success. Can he replicate this winning formula with Alpine?
2025: A high-pressure transition year
While Alpine seems to be heading in the right direction, the road ahead remains long. Bahrain’s winter tests showed progress, but also highlighted that the team still has a significant gap to close with the frontrunners. For 2025, the main objective will be to solidify Alpine’s place in the midfield and lay the groundwork for a strong 2026 campaign. Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan will play key roles: Gasly must continue to provide his experience and leadership, guiding the team through this transition. Doohan must prove he belongs in F1 and has what it takes to compete at the highest level. The challenge is huge, especially in a tight midfield battle where every point matters.
Alpine on the podium in 2026?
With a clear long-term project and a more structured team, Alpine F1 Team can certainly hope for better days ahead. The arrival of Mercedes power units in 2026 and Briatore’s influence could be the game-changing elements needed to return to the top. But F1 is ruthless—only hard work and execution will determine Alpine’s fate. The first Grands Prix of 2025 will provide a clearer picture of the team’s true potential. One thing is certain: Alpine isn’t lacking motivation. Now, it’s a matter of whether that will be enough to challenge the best.
Home race. This is going to be a special one, @jackdoohan33 💙 pic.twitter.com/U5RMjaxOIW
— BWT Alpine Formula One Team (@AlpineF1Team) March 10, 2025
This article explores Alpine F1’s transformation for the 2025 season, from a stronger winter preparation to Flavio Briatore’s influence and clear ambitions for 2026. While the team appears to be on an upward trajectory, the road to the top remains full of obstacles.
Images: © BWT Alpine F1 Team
