Briatore Backs Alonso’s Decision to Leave Ferrari
Flavio Briatore has defended Fernando Alonso’s exit from Ferrari in 2014, arguing the Spaniard had no realistic chance of winning titles with the team.
Flavio Briatore has insisted Fernando Alonso made the right decision by leaving Ferrari at the end of the 2014 Formula One season, dismissing claims that the Spaniard’s move was a mistake. The former Renault team principal argued that Ferrari were unable to provide Alonso with a car capable of beating Mercedes, who had established clear dominance in the sport.
Briatore, who managed Alonso during his championship-winning years at Renault, questioned why some saw Alonso’s departure as a blunder. He pointed out that Ferrari had not been able to break Mercedes’ stranglehold on the championship and said the Italian team’s best was only second place. According to Briatore, this justified Alonso’s decision to seek opportunities elsewhere.
Ferrari’s position behind Mercedes
At the time of Alonso’s exit, Ferrari had been unable to mount a sustained challenge to Mercedes, who had swept both drivers’ and constructors’ titles from 2014 onwards. Briatore highlighted that Ferrari’s inability to end Mercedes’ run meant Alonso had little chance of adding to his two world championships if he stayed.
Briatore’s comments come as Ferrari continued to trail Mercedes in the championship standings, with Sebastian Vettel replacing Alonso for 2015. Despite some podium finishes, the team remained unable to consistently challenge for wins. Briatore argued that Alonso had nothing to regret, as the situation at Ferrari would not have allowed him to fight for titles in the near term.
Reactions to Alonso’s move
Alonso’s decision to leave Ferrari for McLaren was controversial at the time, with some suggesting he was abandoning a team on the verge of resurgence. Briatore disagreed, saying both Ferrari and Alonso were content to part ways. The results in the following seasons, with Mercedes’ continued dominance and Ferrari’s ongoing struggles, have since shaped perceptions of Alonso’s choice.
For more on the background to Alonso’s departure, see Sources suggest Alonso could exit Ferrari early.
