Ex-F1 team owner claims Crashgate mastermind Flavio Briatore has a ‘magic wand’ to turn around Alpine

Former 1 team owner Eddie Jordan insisted that Flavio Briatore has what it takes to improve Alpine's prospects in the coming years.

Ex-F1 team owner claims Crashgate mastermind Flavio Briatore has a ‘magic wand’ to turn around Alpine

Flavio Briatore (via IMAGO) Alpine F1 team logo (via Alpine)

Alpine’s Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore is one of the most controversial figures in the F1 paddock. The Italian has not had the cleanest runs in the sport with the Crashgate scandal tarnishing his reputation. However, former F1 team owner Eddie Jordan asserted that Briatore has what it takes to lead the Alpine F1 team.

Jordan and Briatore share a long history in F1, tracing back to when the Italian poached a young Michael Schumacher from the Jordan F1 team. Eddie Jordan admitted that there was some things which he hated about the 74-year-old and some that he loved. However, the Irishman revealed that Flavio Briatore has promised him that Alpine will be back to the podium by 2026 or 2027.

Some things I hated him for, and some things I loved him for, but you know what he will do, and he gave me his word: ‘I promise you, Eddie, by ’26 or ’27, Alpine will be on the podium.

Eddie Jordan said on Formula For Success podcast
YouTube video

Moreover, Eddie Jordan made it clear that he was not going to disagree with this statement as he trusts Briatore. So much so, Jordan claimed that the Crashgate mastermind has a magic wand which could help turn around the prospects of the team.

I’m not going to stand up and say I disagree, because I actually do agree. He has a magic wand that is able to make things happen.

Eddie Jordan stated

Eddie Jordan claims Flavio Briatore’s approach opposite to Ferrari’s approach

Alpine decided to promote its junior driver Jack Doohan for 2025 to replace Esteban Ocon, after failing to sign Carlos Sainz. Jordan insisted that Briatore aims to build the best car possible, as a good driver would then be ready to race for the team. This is in contrast to Ferrari’s approach of signing Lewis Hamilton and try to see how things work out.

Flavio Briatore
Flavio Briatore, via IMAGO

Flavio wants to build the best car possible.. then the best driver will naturally be attracted to that car – and that’s his way. That’s his philosophy. Other people go the other way around. Get the best driver, let’s see how we can make it work, like that’s Ferrari’s point – get Lewis Hamilton

Eddie Jordan explained

Certainly, Flavio Briatore has a tough situation to handle at Alpine. The French team is struggling at the back of the grid this season and will lose its works status in 2026. Nevertheless, Briatore is determined to bring the Enstone-based squad back to the front of the grid in the coming years.