Ralf Schumacher criticizes Alpine: Horner is the right choice

Ralf Schumacher, a erstwhile operator and renowned analyst, says the epoch of “characters similar Flavio Briatore” is implicit and Formula 1 is present looking for technically-minded leaders. Schumacher believes Christian Horner is the close prime for Alpine.

“I deliberation the clip for figures similar Flavio is over. We request technically susceptible radical astatine the top, idiosyncratic similar Horner,” helium told Germany’s Bild.

“Flavio could assistance arsenic an organizer and mediator, idiosyncratic who communicates with the extracurricular world.”

Subtitle: Horner’s aboriginal and Alpine

The comments travel arsenic speculation grows astir Horner’s adjacent move, who near Red Bull Racing successful July aft 20 years astatine the helm. Red Bull announced astatine the clip that Horner was stepping down arsenic squad main and director, and Laurent Mekies from sister squad Racing Bulls was appointed successful his place.

The crushed for the abrupt departure has not been officially explained, but galore judge that the team’s diminution successful dominance and the departure of cardinal members contributed to the decision. Red Bull is presently lone 4th successful the constructors’ standings, 365 points down McLaren.

Flavio Briatore returned to Formula 1 successful 2024 arsenic an enforcement advisor to Alpine, 15 years aft the arguable “Crashgate” ungraded successful Singapore successful 2008. After Oliver Oakes’ abrupt departure successful May, Briatore took nonstop power of the team, portion his member William Oakes has meantime ended up successful tribunal connected charges of fiscal misconduct.

In September, Steve Nielsen was appointed Alpine’s CEO, but Briatore inactive has the precocious hand. This is precisely wherefore determination is speculation that Horner could instrumentality immoderate work astatine the team, which would beryllium a large boost for Alpine up of the changes successful 2026.

Former operator and Sky Sports expert Karun Chandhok recalls that Horner whitethorn privation a break:

“Does helium privation a break? He’s been successful the unit enclosure of Formula 1 for 20 years, astatine the precise top. He hasn’t missed a contention since 2005 erstwhile helium took implicit Red Bull. Maybe helium wants to instrumentality immoderate clip for himself.”

However, Chandhok adds that the doorway to Alpine remains open:

“They person brought successful Steve Nielsen arsenic CEO. Christian’s aged person Flavio Briatore is moving the squad arsenic an advisor. That could beryllium a aboriginal destination for Horner – if helium decides to proceed his beingness successful the unit enclosure of Formula 1.”