Briatore Defends Alonso Against 'Rubbish' Rumors of Being a Difficult Driver

Flavio Briatore, Alpine's executive advisor, vehemently defended Fernando Alonso against persistent rumors portraying him as a challenging driver. Briatore, who managed Alonso during his two championship wins at Renault, asserts that the Aston Martin driver is fiercely loyal and an exceptional team player, contrary to media narratives. He points to Alonso's current role at Aston Martin as proof of his dedication and ability to unite a team, even when the car lacks competitiveness. Alonso, the oldest driver on the grid, is seen as a crucial part of Aston Martin's ambitious growth, pushing the team relentlessly towards future success.

Why it matters:

Fernando Alonso's reputation as a 'difficult' driver has followed him throughout his illustrious career, potentially influencing team dynamics and future opportunities. Briatore's strong defense, coming from someone with deep historical ties and a current advisory role, aims to reshape this perception. Clarifying Alonso's team-player ethos is vital, especially as he plays a critical role in Aston Martin's long-term strategy, including their preparations for the 2026 regulatory changes and the integration of high-profile talents like Adrian Newey.

The Details:

• Briatore's Stance: Flavio Briatore, who is both Alpine's executive advisor and Alonso's manager, directly challenged the media narrative surrounding Alonso, calling claims of him being difficult to manage "a lot of rubbish."
• Team Loyalty: Briatore emphasized Alonso's unwavering loyalty and his ability to foster teamwork, citing his current stint at Aston Martin as a prime example. Despite the car's current performance, Alonso remains highly engaged, pushing the team.
• Illustrious Career: Alonso, 44, has competed in 22 F1 seasons, securing two World Championships and 32 race victories. Both championships were won with Renault under Briatore's management.
• Aston Martin's Growth: Alonso is integral to Aston Martin's ambitious project, which includes a new factory, a new wind tunnel, and the recent recruitment of top design talent like Adrian Newey for the 2026 season. His experience and tenacity are seen as key assets for the team's development.
• Relentless Drive: Briatore likened Alonso's competitive spirit to a "Rottweiler," constantly pushing and demanding excellence, underscoring his fierce desire to win, even if recent victories have been scarce.

Looking Ahead:

Alonso's continued presence and influence at Aston Martin, especially with the strategic additions like Adrian Newey and the new infrastructure, signal a strong intent to compete at the front in 2026. If the team can harness his relentless drive and resolve the perceived reliability issues, Alonso might finally break his long win drought and help establish Aston Martin as a top contender, vindicating Briatore's unwavering faith in his character and capabilities.