What is the ideal line-up for Alpine? Flavio Briatore recently shared his thoughts, stating that the French team would ideally contract ‘two Verstappens’. According to the Italian businessman, the Dutchman would even be ‘the easiest way for Alpine to win a championship’. Max Verstappen has now responded to Briatore’s comments.
Although Max Verstappen has a contract with his current employer Red Bull until at least 2028, there is still much speculation about the future of the four-time world champion. Red Bull has been losing its dominant position in the field to McLaren for some time now, and is currently even fourth in the constructors’ championship. Verstappen himself also sees championship leader Oscar Piastri increasingly disappearing over the horizon – the Australian is now 49 points ahead of the Dutchman.
As a result, Verstappen has been linked with Mercedes and Aston Martin on several occasions, and Alpine was recently added to the list, albeit half-jokingly. Flavio Briatore, the Alpine advisor who has seen various Formula 1 legends shine on the track, was asked who he would most like to have in the French team. “Two Verstappens,” the Italian businessman replied to Corriere della Sera. “After all, I have two cars.”
Verstappen Responds
Briatore then also told Le Monde: “The easiest way (for Alpine) to win a championship is to contract Max Verstappen.” However, the Italian doesn’t think that would be possible. The Dutchman heard about the Alpine advisor’s comments via Viaplay, and responded to Briatore’s claim. “That will cost Alpine quite a few cents,” was Verstappen’s down-to-earth response.
