Formula 1 will have an unexpected change in the team representatives’ press conference during the Chinese GP. Flavio Briatore, Alpine’s executive advisor, will take the place of managing director Steve Nielsen in the official meeting organized by the FIA at the Shanghai circuit.
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The change occurs because Nielsen is ill and will not be able to participate in the session scheduled for this Friday. Briatore’s presence ensures that the French team is represented in the traditional press conference that brings together team officials during the race weekend.
According to the information released, the press conference is scheduled for 13:30 local time this Friday, March 13. The meeting will take place between FP1 and Sprint qualifying, important moments in the Formula 1 weekend schedule at the Chinese circuit.
Briatore will share the panel with two other category officials. Also present will be Laurent Mekies, Red Bull team principal, and Jonathan Wheatley, who currently leads the Audi team.
The Italian’s participation is only a one-off. The expectation is that Steve Nielsen will return to the paddock as early as Saturday to resume his duties leading Alpine’s operation.
If the prediction is confirmed, the official will return to the command of the Enstone-based team in time for the weekend’s decisive activities. This includes the Sprint and also the qualifying session that defines the starting grid for the main race.
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Briatore’s presence at the press conference also draws attention due to the official’s history within Formula 1. The Italian is a well-known figure in the paddock and currently serves as Alpine’s executive advisor, participating in the team’s strategic decisions.
The 2025 season was challenging for the French team, which faced difficulties throughout the championship. Despite this, the start of 2026 brought more positive signs for the team.
In the opening round of the championship, held at the Australian GP, Alpine managed to score points in the very first race of the year. Pierre Gasly finished the race in tenth position, securing an important result for the team.
This initial performance helps the team start the season on a more positive footing after the difficulties faced in the previous championship. The goal now is to maintain progress throughout the next stages.
With the second race of the calendar taking place in Shanghai, Alpine is trying to consolidate this start to the championship and continue scoring points. While Nielsen recovers, Briatore temporarily takes on the responsibility of representing the team in one of the weekend’s official commitments.
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