Briatore Calls Alonso a 'Rottweiler,' Says He'd Be Title Contender in McLaren or Red Bull

Fernando Alonso, despite Aston Martin's struggles, is still performing at a championship level and would be in the title hunt if he were driving for McLaren or Red Bull, according to his former boss Flavio Briatore. Briatore, who won two championships with Alonso at Renault, dismisses criticisms of Alonso's attitude and praises his ability to keep a team cohesive.

Why it matters:

Fernando Alonso's enduring talent remains a hot topic in F1, especially as he continues to extract maximum performance from an inconsistent Aston Martin car. Briatore's strong endorsement reignites the debate about what Alonso could achieve with a top-tier machine, highlighting his reputation as one of the sport's most formidable drivers.

The details:

• Championship-Caliber Performance: Alonso has significantly improved his season after a slow start, scoring points in seven of the last ten Grands Prix since the Spanish Grand Prix, demonstrating his consistent ability to deliver results even with a challenging car.
• Briatore's Bold Claim: Flavio Briatore, currently an executive adviser at Alpine, asserts that if Alonso were in a McLaren or Red Bull this season, he would "still be in the race [for the title]." This underscores Briatore's belief in Alonso's undiminished pace and racecraft.
• Near Misses for a Third Title: Since his back-to-back championships in 2005 and 2006, Alonso has come agonizingly close to a third title on three occasions (2007 with McLaren, 2010 and 2012 with Ferrari), finishing a combined total of just eight points behind the champions in those seasons.
• 'Rottweiler' Mentality: Briatore affectionately describes Alonso as a "Rottweiler," emphasizing his relentless, tenacious approach on track and his fighting spirit that never gives up. This analogy highlights Alonso's aggressive and unyielding nature in competition.
• Dismissing 'Difficult' Labels: Briatore vehemently refutes claims that Alonso is a "difficult to manage" driver. He labels such notions as "rubbish," arguing that Alonso is a strong team player who unifies the team and motivates everyone to work together, a quality he sees evident at Aston Martin.

The big picture:

Alonso's career has been marked by extraordinary talent paired with often frustrating car performance. His 32 Grand Prix victories, the last of which came in 2013, belie a driver who has consistently performed at a level deserving of more championships. Briatore's perspective reinforces the idea that raw driver ability can be stifled by machinery, and that Alonso's current performances at Aston Martin are a testament to his unique skill rather than a reflection of the car's potential.

What's next:

As Aston Martin continues its development, all eyes will be on whether they can provide Alonso with a car capable of challenging for podiums more regularly. While a championship challenge might be a long shot given the current competitive order, Alonso's determination and Briatore's unwavering confidence suggest he will continue to push the limits, regardless of the machinery he's given. His current contract with Aston Martin extends through 2026, offering more opportunities for him to leave his mark.