Herbert: “I hope Alpine doesn’t become Mercedes’ Racing Bulls”

Beware of ‘satellite teams” Alpine under the guidance of Flavio Briatore has decided to disavow the Renault power units produced in the Viry-Chatillon plant to focus on the ‘shortcut’ represented by the supply of engines by Mercedes, a strategy that has allowed McLaren to win three of the last four titles up for grabs in F1. 2026 has started in a positive way for Alpine which with an excellent driver like Pierre Gasly has already collected 16 points like Red Bull. Furthermore, the ‘French’ team is in the sights of new potential investors now that Otro Capital has decided to sell its shares. Johnny Herbert hopes that Alpine will not become a sort of ‘satellite team’ of Mercedes, replicating what already happens with Racing Bulls and Red Bull: “There is a lot of talk about Mercedes and Alpine – said Herbert reached by Vision4Sport – and I understand the advantages that can arise from having a ‘satellite’ team where for example develop young drivers in the academy programs. However, I hope that Alpine does not become the Racing Bulls of Mercedes, having separate teams is important.”