Briatore Dismisses F2 for Alpine Driver Search, Citing 'Confusing' Form

Flavio Briatore, Alpine's executive advisor, is reportedly not considering Formula 1's feeder series when scouting for new drivers. He labels the current F2 and F3 fields as "very confusing" due to the inconsistent performance of young talents, making it difficult to identify standout prospects.

Why it matters:

After years of struggling to mount a consistent title challenge, Ferrari's pursuit of a breakthrough engine could dramatically reshape the competitive landscape of F1. A powerful yet reliable power unit is crucial for a team aiming to challenge the established frontrunners and return to championship contention, a position they haven't held consistently since 2018.

The Details:

• Italian motorsport reports indicate Ferrari's 2026 engine is 'extreme' and could rival Mercedes', which is currently considered the benchmark in the field.
• The main challenge remains reliability, a recurring theme for aggressive power unit designs.
• Advanced Technology: Ferrari is exploring cutting-edge Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) technology. This technique combines different metal powders with other materials, such as ceramic, to create optimal components for the power unit.
  • Potential benefits include improved reliability and enhanced cooling performance, a critical factor as demonstrated by McLaren's current season success with Mercedes engines.
• Aerodynamic Focus: Aerodynamic efficiency is another key area of focus. DMLS technology allows for the creation of complex and diverse geometric shapes, freeing the Scuderia to innovate in component design.
• Cooling Optimization: Staff at Maranello are also reportedly working on optimizing the size of radiators to further improve aerodynamic efficiency.

Looking Ahead:

While the success of any 2026 project remains uncertain, these developments hint at Ferrari's aggressive strategy to return to the top.

• The upcoming Project 678, which is set to be Chassis Director Loic Serra's first car since he joined Maranello in October last year, is expected to debut Ferrari's new direction.
• If the rumors hold true and the reliability issues can be resolved, Ferrari could surprise the grid and re-establish itself at the pinnacle of Formula 1.