Briatore reveals mass Alpine F1 job losses

Alpine executive advisor Flavio Briatore has revealed that 300 employees have lost their job since he rejoined the team in May earlier this year. 

There have been significant changes at the Enstone-based team covering all levels, in particular to its senior figures. 

Since Briatore rejoined the team he managed when it was known as Renault, Oliver Oakes has replaced Bruno Famin as team principal.

Changes have been made at Alpine to ensure the outfit makes progress, with a huge shift having been made towards focusing on next year. 

"This year we had a kind of spring cleaning," Briatore told Sky Italia. "We took a step with the 2024 car to focus on the single-seater for 2025. 

"The others had to take a step back and then move on, unlike us. We are moving forward in one go."

In the eyes of Briatore, who initially left the team 15 years ago after being banned following his role in Crashgate, Alpine needed to return to how it used to be run. 

"We had to go back to the situation where people would work in the racing team, and not in the offices," said Briatore. "We put everything back where it should be. 

"Alpine UK is now completely independent from the rest. We are now back to the way it was in the Renault days. The engineers who are there now are only the F1 engineers. Everything is focused on the team. Those who had to go, they went."

Alpine 'risks' becoming easier

In order to change the team's structure, a significant number of job losses have taken place, in the space of a few moths. 

"When I came here there were 1,150 people. Now there are 850," revealed the 74-year-old.

Briatore's return has triggered a noticeable improvement in Alpine's form, with a shock double podium having been achieved in São Paulo. 

Esteban Ocon finished second with Pierre Gasly in third after both drivers did not pit before a red flag was flown, following a heavy crash for Franco Colapinto. 

It meant the Alpines could change tyres during the stoppage, allowing them to remain at the front. Despite the element of luck, the French team was quick in all conditions in Brazil. 

Being more competitive is allowing Alpine to take strategic risks, as outlined by Briatore. 

"When you are competitive, it is easier to take risks. In Brazil we were very competitive, so we took the risks because we could take them. The drivers also did well," added Briatore.