Alpine's Briatore steps in for ill Nielsen at Chinese GP press duties

Alpine executive adviser Flavio Briatore will replace managing director Steve Nielsen at the official FIA team representatives' press conference at the Chinese Grand Prix, as Nielsen is unwell. The late change puts the flamboyant former team principal back in the spotlight for the Friday session at the Shanghai International Circuit.

Why it matters:

Briatore's high-profile, albeit temporary, return to a formal FIA press conference role is a symbolic moment, underscoring his influential advisory position within the struggling Alpine team. His presence at the panel, alongside figures like Red Bull's Laurent Mekies, will draw significant attention and questions about Alpine's direction, shifting focus from routine team updates to broader strategic outlooks under his guidance.

The details:

• The substitution is for the press conference scheduled for 13:30 local time on Friday, positioned between FP1 and sprint qualifying.
• Steve Nielsen is expected to return to his trackside role on Saturday to oversee the team during the sprint and grand prix qualifying sessions.
• Briatore will form the press conference panel with Red Bull Sporting Director Jonathan Wheatley and Ferrari Team Principal Laurent Mekies (as noted in the original text; a correction: Wheatley is with Red Bull, Mekies is with Ferrari).
• The team enters the weekend seeking momentum after a difficult 2023 season, having opened 2024 with a point in Australia thanks to Pierre Gasly's tenth-place finish.

What's next:

All eyes will be on Briatore's comments during the press conference for any hints regarding Alpine's short-term expectations and long-term strategy. The team's immediate focus, however, remains on-track performance, with Nielsen slated to resume his managing director duties for the rest of the weekend as Alpine aims to build on its Melbourne result.