Flavio Briatore Returns to Formula 1 as Alpine's Executive Board Member

The BWT Alpine F1 Team has announced the appointment of Flavio Briatore as executive advisor for their Formula 1 activities. This decision was made by Luca de Meo, CEO of Renault Group, and marks the return of a controversial figure in the recent history of motorsport.

Background of Flavio Briatore

Flavio Briatore, born on April 12, 1950, in Verzuolo, Italy, is known for his crucial role in the success of the Benetton and Renault teams in Formula 1. Before his involvement in motorsport, Briatore worked in various sectors, including fashion, where he collaborated closely with Luciano Benetton.

In 1988, Briatore entered Formula 1 when Benetton acquired the Toleman team. Under his leadership, Benetton became one of the most competitive teams in F1, winning drivers' and constructors' championships in 1994 and 1995 with Michael Schumacher.

In 2000, Briatore took on the role of managing director of the Renault F1 team, leading the team to victory in the drivers' and constructors' championships in 2005 and 2006 with Fernando Alonso.

Controversies

Briatore's career has not been without scandals. The most notable is "Crashgate" in 2008, where Nelson Piquet Jr., a Renault driver, deliberately crashed during the Singapore Grand Prix to benefit his teammate, Fernando Alonso. Following an investigation, the FIA sanctioned Briatore, banning him from FIA events for life. Although this ban was later overturned by a French court, the incident left an indelible mark on his career.

New Role at Alpine

In his new role with Alpine, Briatore will focus on key strategic areas for the team:

• Talent Acquisition: Identifying and recruiting key talents to strengthen the team.
• Driver Market: Managing and advising on the selection of drivers for the team.
• Project Structure: Proposing improvements and evolutions to the current team structure.
• Strategic Advice: Providing advice on strategic issues related to Formula 1.