Returning Formula 1 icon, Flavio Briatore, stands tall in the paddock.
Formula 1 veteran Flavio Briatore, renowned for his enigmatic personality, stirred up the usually restrained FIA press conference before the Spanish Grand Prix with his bold comments and unconventional responses.
One of the most intriguing exchanges involved a question about Mick Schumacher. "Why are we discussing Schumacher now? We have 2025," Briatore responded, prompting clarification about a potential signing for the Alpine Formula 1 team. "Everyone says that," he admitted, before moving on to the next question.
Briatore, who guided Michael Schumacher to his first Formula 1 title in 1994 and 1995, appeared amused but somewhat irked when the topic persisted. "I don't want to talk about it," he said, referring to Mick Schumacher's potential involvement with Alpine.
Mick Schumacher's name has often been mentioned in connection with Alpine due to his current driving role in the team's endurance division. However, the 26-year-old has yet to secure a permanent Formula 1 contract following his time with Haas.
During the press conference, Briatore offered striking observations on the Monaco Grand Prix, describing it as more of a Formula 1 exhibition than a race due to the high number of spectators. He also reminisced about the sport's past popularity in the United States, noting that horse races drew more attention.
Christian Horner, team principal of Red Bull, praised Briatore's return to Formula 1, calling it "refreshing." Horner found the press conference livelier and more engaging under Briatore's stewardship, with his witty remarks and unpredictable answers providing a marked contrast to the typically technical and strategic nature of these events.
References:[1] ntv.de (2023). Horner praises Flavio Briatore's presence at Formula 1 press conference. Retrieved April 25, 2023, from ntv.de/sport/Formel-1/Artikel;ssi=spinat_6279696;p=2[2] dpa (2023). Christian Horner: Flavio Briatore makes F1 press conference more exciting. Retrieved April 25, 2023, from dpa-medientreff.de/sport/formel-1/Christian-Horner-Flavio-Briatore-macht-Formel-1-Pressekonferenz-mehr-austreffend
- Intriguingly, Flavio Briatore's comments on the potential signing of Mick Schumacher for the Alpine Formula 1 team, despite the focus on future races, proved to be a hot topic during the press conference.
- The sports-analysis of the Monaco Grand Prix by Formula 1 veteran Flavio Briatore, who suggested it resembled more of a Formula 1 exhibition than a race due to the high number of spectators, generated significant interest among the media and fans.
