Flavio Briatore has described Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc as a “bickering pair, as far as I know” while discussing the challenge Ferrari faces in managing two leading Formula 1 drivers. The Alpine executive advisor also offered his assessment of the Scuderia’s continuing difficulties, defended Fred Vasseur’s work and explained how he believes a team should control an intense rivalry between teammates.
Briatore made the comments during a lengthy interview with Giorgio Terruzzi for Corriere della Sera. His remarks arrive after increased attention on the relationship between Ferrari’s two drivers, although Charles Leclerc has played down suggestions of serious tension with Lewis Hamilton and stressed that he enjoys competing against his teammate.
Flavio Briatore on Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc at Ferrari
Recent management of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc from the Ferrari pit wall has not always appeared straightforward, particularly as the two drivers have fought closely on track. Asked for his view of the situation, Flavio Briatore highlighted how difficult it can be for a Formula 1 team to control two highly competitive drivers.
“They’re a bickering pair, as far as I know. Managing two great drivers isn’t easy. You just have to make it clear that the car belongs to the team. It takes responsibility and attention. I would never want to see one of my drivers push the other one off,” Briatore said.
The question of how much freedom Ferrari should give its drivers has become increasingly prominent during 2026, with the possibility of a more complicated Hamilton-Leclerc management dilemma if Ferrari fights for the 2027 title already being discussed. Their season-long performance can also be followed through the Charles Leclerc vs Lewis Hamilton F1 head-to-head statistics.
Briatore says Fred Vasseur’s Ferrari work deserves respect
Briatore also addressed Ferrari’s wider competitive situation after another season in which the team’s expectations have not consistently translated into results.
“Ferrari is competitive, but there is always something missing. Winning a World Championship is complicated, also because the others are there too…” he explained.
Asked whether he could ever see himself working at Maranello, Briatore suggested that opportunity had already passed. “Me at Maranello? It’s too late, even though Ferrari is the lover everyone would like to have.”
He added: “But I’ve never been close; I’ve always been on the other side of the barricade. A recipe for Ferrari? I could only come up with one if I knew the patient, but in the meantime Vasseur’s work deserves respect. Mistakes happen.”
His comments therefore combined criticism of Ferrari’s inability to consistently complete the final step towards championship success with support for Fred Vasseur, whose management has faced increased scrutiny during a difficult phase of the 2026 campaign.
Briatore dismisses claims Renault could sell Alpine
Flavio Briatore also strongly rejected suggestions that Renault could sell its Formula 1 team. “Anyone talking about a sale is talking rubbish,” he said.
The Italian manager explained that only Otro Capital’s 24% holding is on the market and said interest has already been received from seven investors. Renault therefore remains committed to Alpine, while the team is continuing its efforts to strengthen the project.
The recent recruitment of Mike Elliott forms part of that push, with Alpine aiming to build on the solid progress already demonstrated during the 2026 season. Flavio Briatore’s message was clear: the intention is to relaunch the team and continue moving forward rather than for Renault to walk away from Formula 1.
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