Flavio Briatore says Valtteri Bottas was not a critical candidate for the F1 drive that used Alpine earlier than signing with Cadillac.
The ten-time Grand Prix winner, Bottas will seal his full-time return to the Method 1 grid subsequent season with the brand new Cadillac crew, the place he’ll companion with fellow driver Sergio Perez, who was dropped by Crimson Bull late final 12 months.
Alpine reportedly requested concerning the availability of the present Mercedes Reserve because it continues to weigh driver choices greater than this 12 months, and confirmed that Botas had mentioned with the crew earlier than deciding on a Cadillac.
However Briatore, the de facto alpine boss, insisted on the transfer that 36-year-old Finn was actually not on the cardboard.
“I’ve spoken to lots of people,” Briatore admitted on the Dutch Grand Prix. “I additionally spoke to Botas, and I additionally spoke to Toto on the time, however in actuality there was no dialogue about Botas driving for the Alpine.
“I believe Alpine helped Bottas a bit bit to signal a cope with Cadillac. We did some advertising and marketing, however that is the trustworthy purpose.
“As a result of I am a brilliant driver, and what Toto is saying is strictly the identical: he is in Lewis on the similar time, and it was unfortunate to be in Mercedes when Lewis was actually on the peak of his driving.
“We’ve one other concept, however getting Valtteri again is nice. It is good to have a driver with a variety of expertise coming again, however we’re in search of one thing else.”
Valtteri Bottas
I am suspicious of Franco Colehotel Future
Briatore is acknowledging Argentina and elevating extra questions on Franco Colapinto’s future.
Alpine purchased Corapinto from Williams’ contract and positioned him in Jacques Doohan’s seat after the opening of six races within the 2025 Method 1 season, however he has struggled with Pierre Guthrie and has but to attain.
“I believe I’ve already seen all the things. I needn’t see something anymore,” Briatore replied when he requested what he wanted to see from Corapinto to carry his seat.
“It is troublesome. For this driver, it’s extremely troublesome to cope with this automotive. These vehicles are very heavy and really quick.
“Perhaps he wants one other 12 months or two to be a part of Method 1. And he is aware of that in the long run the necessary factor is the result. He works very arduous.
Briatore added:
“He had two or three races with (Williams) and he was doing very properly, however maybe being on a crew with an excellent driver like Pierre, he is at all times competing together with his teammates.
“We overlook that drivers are human, and we want time to grasp precisely what is going on on.
“As a result of they’re younger youngsters, I believe 19, 20, 22, 23. I believe our errors are attempting to underestimate the human a part of life.
“I do know we’re at all times in search of timing. Perhaps I’ve missed one thing to handle my driver for the longer term.”
