Briatore wants Verstappen in his team, but there are obstacles in his way

Briatore, who officially returned to an advisory role at Alpine in 2024, has worked with legends such as Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso. When asked who is the greatest driver of all time, he finds it difficult to choose. “Schumacher, Senna, Alonso… it's hard to pick just one name. But at the moment, Max Verstappen is undoubtedly number one,” says the 75-year-old Italian.

Verstappen obviously doesn't drive for Alpine, and that won't change any time soon. But that doesn't stop Briatore from dreaming out loud. When asked who he would most like to have on his team, he answers with a wink: “Two Verstappens – after all, I do have two cars.”

This statement echoes a previous comment made by Briatore to Viaplay during the race weekend in Barcelona. Then too, he mentioned that life as a team boss would be much easier with Verstappen behind the wheel, but he admitted that his team could not afford the four-time world champion – let alone two Verstappens.