Flavio Briatore’s Return to Formula 1
Flavio Briatore, the legendary former Renault team principal, is back in Formula 1. Alpine has announced his appointment as the executive advisor for their Formula 1 division, marking his return to the sport after a 15-year absence. At 74, Briatore takes on the challenge of revitalizing the team, which has had a disappointing start to the season with only five points in nine races.
New Role at Alpine
Executive Advisor for Alpine
Flavio Briatore will focus on high-level strategic areas. His primary tasks will include identifying and attracting talent, analyzing the driver market, and challenging the current team structure. Alpine aims to transform its approach to improve performance, and Briatore, with his extensive experience, appears to be the right person to lead this change.
A History of Success and Controversy
Past Achievements
Briatore has been a prominent figure in Formula 1 for over two decades. He played a key role in the world championships of Michael Schumacher with Benetton in 1994 and 1995, and Fernando Alonso with Renault in 2005 and 2006. His return to Alpine, which occupies Renault’s place on the grid, symbolizes a return to his old home.
The ‘Crashgate’ Scandal
Briatore’s departure from Formula 1 in 2009 was due to his involvement in the ‘Crashgate’ scandal. At the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, Nelson Piquet deliberately crashed under Briatore’s orders to benefit Alonso. This incident led to his lifetime ban, although French courts later reduced his sanction and awarded him compensation.
Current and Future Challenges
Improving Alpine’s Performance
Alpine has struggled this season, accumulating only five points. The strained relationship between drivers Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon has further complicated the situation, leading the team to announce Ocon’s departure at the end of the season. Briatore will need to address these challenges and work on restructuring the team to achieve better results.
Long-Term Plans
Another significant challenge is Alpine’s potential shift to becoming a customer team in 2026. This would mean no longer manufacturing their own engine and possibly adopting a Mercedes power unit. Briatore will evaluate this transformation while guiding the team through the process, which includes the recent sale of 49% of the team to investment funds.
Flavio Briatore returns to Formula 1 with the mission to bring Alpine back to its former glory. His extensive experience and strategic approach are crucial for revitalizing the team and improving its performance on the track. Briatore’s return promises to be a turning point for Alpine, which is desperately seeking to regain its competitiveness in the top tier of motorsport.
