He supposedly negotiated with alpine, but then decided on Cadillac, at least so Valtteri Bottas presented his future poker with a view to the Formula 1 season 2026. But Alpine boss Flavio Briatore clearly contradicts Bottas.
Since the end of August it has been clear that Formula 1 newcomer Cadillac will rely on Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas next year.
However, the latter is said to have negotiated with alpine beforehand. Among other things, the topic was that Bottas could still drive for Alpine this year. Because Franco Colapinto stumbles in the A252, so far collected (like his team-mate Jack Doohan). In addition, an engagement is said to have been discussed in the coming year.
A few weeks ago in Silverstone the rumors about Alpine, Bottas even confirmed speculation, said in a media round: “That’s right. There were talks (with alpine).”
But didn’t these statements correspond to the truth at all? In any case, Alpine boss Flavio Briatore described a completely different view of things.
“I never spoke to Bottas over 2026,” Briatore became clear to “Auto Motor und Sport”. “I think the rumors that he could drive for Alpine helped him to sign a contract with Cadillac,” said Michael Schumacher’s former Benetton team boss.
Formula 1: Alpine boss spoke to Pérez
There were talks with Pérez, but only a loose entertainment. The Mexican called him, Briatore revealed. “He asked me what our plans are, but at the same time said that he was close to agreeing with Cadillac. I couldn’t offer him anything at the time,” said the 75-year-old.
It is currently still open whether it will continue for Doohan and Colapinto at Alpine. However, Briatore was now slightly confident that the trend turns for the positive.
“Doohan had too many accidents. Colapinto was also disappointing at the beginning. We thought he was doing better. Now he is slowly getting going. He knows the car better and feels more comfortable,” the alpine boss arranged.