The multiple Formula 1 world champion maker Flavio Briatore has lost extremely positive words about the reigning Champion Max Verstappen and compared it with the greatest of sport.
Flavio Briatore was not only responsible for Michael Schumacher’s first two World Cup titles in Formula 1 (1994 and 1995). It was also Briatore who was the Renault team boss when Fernando Alonso won his two triumphs (2005 and 2006). No question: The 74-year-old, who returned to Alpine to the F1 last year, is familiar with the absolute top stars of sport.
Asked by “Sport1” whether the current superstar, Max Verstappen, is reminiscent of his former protégé Schumacher, Briatore now took out.
“He reminds me of Michael, Fernando, of Ayrton Senna,” compared the Dutch with three (partly former) absolute sizes of Formula 1.
Verstappen is “exactly what Formula 1 needed. Everyone criticizes this boy for their spectacular driving style. This is totally stupid! He brought new energy into sport. Formula 1 urgently needed this new star,” said the Italian.
Hooked off the TV channel whether he can see parallels from Verstappen to Schumi, he said: “Definitely.”
He also brought an example: “Once Michael was even about to beat himself with Senna, in a test in Germany Senna went to his collar. He told him that he was the world champion and Michael had to have more respect. Michael didn’t care.
Briatore had to “kiss alpine” alpine
He himself has a lot to do with Alpine. Already in 2026 he wants to drive with his new/old team in the top and then fight for the title in 2027.
“The success of the success is still the same as at Benetton with Michael and Renault with Fernando. I even have my old office,” revealed Briatore.
“But I had to kiss the employees again. My first impression when I came to Enstone was: a few people build a car there, but it is not interested in whether the car is fast. Now the passion is back,” he said.