Briatore Sparks Debate: Should Alonso Have Eight F1 Championships?

Briatore Sparks Debate: Should Alonso Have Eight F1 Championships?

In the world of Formula 1, discussions about legacy and achievement often stir lively debates. Such is the case with Flavio Briatore, the notorious former Renault team principal and now executive advisor at Alpine. Recently, Briatore reignited controversy by claiming that Fernando Alonso, the two-time world champion, should have clinched a staggering eight titles instead of just two. This assertion, made during an appearance on the Dazn program ‚Bravissimo‘, has sparked both admiration and skepticism among fans and pundits alike. Motorcycle Sports reported that Briatore, who is well-known for his checkered past, particularly the infamous ‚Crashgate‘ scandal of 2008, continues to stand firmly by Alonso’s potential and talent.

Alonso, who debuted in the world of F1 in 2001, has driven for numerous teams, including McLaren, Ferrari, and Renault, under Briatore’s management. Although he achieved back-to-back championships in 2005 and 2006, he has not added to his tally since then. Now at 44 years of age, he continues to strive for success, recently returning to the sport in 2021 with Alpine and later transitioning to Aston Martin. His most recent performances have shown promise, as he secured a podium finish, garnering hope for future efforts in the title race.

Debating Alonso’s Legacy

Briatore’s assertion that Alonso could have won more titles is rooted in his deep respect for the driver’s skill. He noted, „A driver like him should have won six or eight world championships because he always made a difference for his team.“ His views challenge the narrative that external circumstances, rather than talent, dictated Alonso’s success. The former team principal has emphasized Alonso’s role as a team player, motivating and pushing his colleagues to excel. “He’s like a Rottweiler, constantly applying pressure,” Briatore added, suggesting that Alonso’s competitive nature fuels both his own drive and that of his team.

This sentiment is supported by opinions from various experts in the motorsport community. Alonso’s versatility and tenacity have garnered both admiration and criticism over the years. While some label him as difficult to manage, others, including Briatore, argue that his intense competitive spirit is what makes him a formidable force on the grid. He has a reputation for challenging engineers and strategies, a quality that sometimes disrupts relationships but ultimately enhances his team’s performance.

Looking Ahead

As we look to the 2026 season, Alonso’s prospects are intriguing. Under the guidance of renowned designer Adrian Newey at Aston Martin, the expectation is that he will have new opportunities to contend more seriously for the title. According to GP Fans, the motorsport world is keenly watching Alonso’s progress and speculating on his chances of capturing additional titles. With his wealth of experience and enduring passion, there are whispers of a potential comeback, with various external factors likely influencing his path to further success.

Alonso remains committed to pushing the boundaries, asserting in interviews that retiring without another championship attempt would be difficult. His motivation, as shared in reports from Motorsport Week, is rooted in witnessing the success of the Aston Martin project. He maintains hope that with some luck and the right conditions, he can achieve greatness once again.

With Briatore’s continued advocacy for Alonso, it’s clear that the conversation surrounding the Spaniard’s legacy—and whether he could have achieved more—is far from over. For now, Formula 1 fans will remain captivated by the potential that lies ahead for both Alonso and his ever-controversial advisor, Briatore.