Reports of a Horner–Ecclestone–Briatore Alpine takeover were denied by Briatore; McLaren teammates Norris and Piastri head into a tight championship battle at Zandvoort.
Flavio Briatore takes on Alpine F1 team principal duties after Oliver Oakes exit
Briatore's return to a principal role after his lifetime ban for Crashgate marks a controversial chapter in Alpine's management reshuffling, with ongoing staff changes.