Briatore Sees Only One Big 2027 F1 Move

Flavio Briatore expects the 2027 Formula 1 driver market to stay largely still, with the Alpine executive adviser saying Max Verstappen to Mercedes is the only major move he can realistically see happening.

Speaking to Italy’s Moto.it, Briatore dismissed the idea of a wide-ranging Silly Season. “In the end, I think nothing will happen,” he said. “The only transfer that could happen is Verstappen going to Mercedes.”

That view comes as speculation continues around Fernando Alonso’s future and a possible return to Alpine. Briatore did not encourage that talk, instead using the interview to underline how highly he still rates the two-time world champion.

“Unfortunately, Fernando doesn’t have a competitive car this year,” Briatore said. “But if there’s even a chance, he will seize it.” He also placed Alonso in rare company, calling him “a phenomenal presence” and comparing him to Lewis Hamilton. “Both are very important for F1, and each of them is a brand in itself.”

For Alpine, though, Briatore’s message was that the team is not building its plans around a driver change. “We are satisfied with the drivers we have now. We’ll see what happens in the future,” he said.

He added that his role is to judge what Alpine can achieve with its current line-up and act only if needed. “My job is to assess what we can do with the drivers we have now, and if necessary make changes. I evaluate every opportunity. This is also the market reality in team management.”

Briatore reinforced that position by praising Pierre Gasly, whom he described as “a surprising figure” and “a man with extraordinary dedication.” He also spoke positively, in another interview, about Franco Colapinto’s progress this year.

Taken together, Briatore’s comments point to Alpine favoring continuity unless the wider market is shaken by the one scenario he believes could change everything: Verstappen leaving Red Bull for Mercedes.