Briatore Rejects 'Difficult' Label for Fernando Alonso

Fernando Alonso, one of Formula 1's most enduring and decorated drivers, has long carried a reputation for being 'difficult' to manage. However, Flavio Briatore, the man who steered Alonso to two world championships and continues to manage his career, vehemently dismisses this narrative as baseless.

Why it matters:

Fernando Alonso's character and influence within a team are crucial to understanding his continued success and longevity in Formula 1, even as he approaches 44. Briatore's insights challenge a long-standing perception, highlighting Alonso's role as a unifying force rather than a disruptive one. This perspective is vital as Alonso remains a key player for Aston Martin, a team actively building towards future championships.

Between the lines:

• Challenging the Narrative: Briatore strongly refutes claims that Alonso is 'difficult to manage,' calling it "a lot of rubbish" and expressing his frustration with the persistent rumor.
• Team Unifier: Briatore emphasizes Alonso's role as a team player, stating, "Fernando is always a teammate. He's always making everyone work together. The demonstration is now at Aston Martin."
• Relentless Drive: Alonso is described as having an unwavering desire to win, even in a less competitive car. Briatore likens him to a "Rottweiler" – constantly pushing and biting to achieve success.
  • This relentless drive, rather than a negative personality, is the true essence of Alonso's intensity.

The big picture:

Alonso's last F1 victory dates back to the 2013 Spanish Grand Prix, a decade-long drought that he himself admits "doesn't sound right." Despite this, his sustained performance, often extracting maximum potential from his machinery, underscores his value.

• Aston Martin's Ambition: Alonso is a central figure in Aston Martin's ambitious project, backed by Lawrence Stroll's significant investment in a new factory and wind tunnel.
• Statistical Anomaly: With over 400 Grand Prix starts, Alonso views his winless streak since 2013 as an anomaly, suggesting that across such a long career, good and bad luck tend to balance out.

What's next:

Briatore's defense highlights Alonso's invaluable qualities: hunger, loyalty, and determination. As Aston Martin continues its development, Alonso's leadership and technical feedback will be critical. His ability to rally the team and extract performance, combined with the team's growing infrastructure, could still lead to that elusive 33rd career victory. If the 'difficult' perception is indeed a myth, then his true character as a team-first, relentless competitor makes him an even more formidable asset for any team aiming for the top.