Flavio Briatore: The Controversial Maverick Back in Formula 1's Hot Seat
Stunning Resurgence of Ex-Stripper Briatore
Get ready for a wild ride, racing fans! Notorious playboy and F1 legend Flavio Briatore is back, taking charge as team principal of Alpine amidst high expectations and whispers of his scandalous past.
From Nightclub Mogul to Formula 1 Kingpin: The 75-year-old Italian, renowned for his extravagant lifestyle, has been appointed to steer Alpine out of its chronic underperformance following the departure of Oliver Oakes. Briatore swiftly dropped rookie Jack Doohan in favor of reserve driver Franco Colapinto, replacing him for a series of races.
The Swap that Sparked Speculation
Colapinto's ascent from Williams rookie to Alpine reserve driver was no secret, with many pundits anticipating the move. The 21-year-old Argentinian boasts a series of strong performances since his debut in 2022, and his sponsorship backing is said to be in the tens of millions.
A Return from the Abyss
Briatore's re-entry into Formula 1 is nothing short of astounding given his controversial past. The man who managed multiple championships with Benetton and Renault during his tenure as Michael Schumacher's associate is responsible for the infamous "Crashgate" scandal in 2008. During the Singapore Grand Prix, Briatore and technical chief Pat Symonds directed driver Nelson Piquet Jr. to deliberately crash to manipulate the race outcome in favor of teammate Fernando Alonso.
While the whispers of potential manipulation were hushed for a time, the truth eventually emerged, leading to Briatore and Symonds being banned. However, a French court overturned Briatore's lifetime ban in 2010, paving the way for his return to the sport after December 31, 2012[3].
A New Dawn at Alpine
Briatore's tumultuous journey didn’t end with the ban. He remained on the fringes of Formula 1 until his return as an executive adviser to Renault (now Alpine) in June 2023. In May 2025, he was appointed as team principal, stepping into the limelight once more[1][2]. Briatore dismisses any conflict with Oakes, citing "personal reasons" for his departure[2].
This comeback coincides with significant changes at Alpine, such as recent investments and strategic decisions like replacing Doohan with Colapinto[3]. While his future at Alpine is undeniably uncertain given the team's reliance on Mercedes engines starting in 2026 and ongoing internal transitions[1], there's no denying the impact Briatore's return is expected to have on the F1 community.
- Formula 1
- Michael Schumacher
- Alpina
[1] ntv.de, dbe/sid[2] Autocar, S.B., Briggs, M. (2025, May 10). Flavio Briatore appointed as Alpine F1 team principal following Oliver Oakes' departure. Retrieved from https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/motorsport/flavio-briatore-appointed-alpine-f1-team-principal-following-oliver-oakes-departure[3] BBC Sport, M. (2025, April 23). Alpine F1 confirm Jack Doohan is replaced by Franco Colapinto for six races. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/58526735
- The return of Flavio Briatore to Formula 1, a sport he previously dominated with the likes of Michael Schumacher and Alpine, has sparked renewed interest, despite his controversial past.
- As the new team principal of Alpine, Briatore worked diligently to steer the team away from chronic underperformance, illustrating his unwavering dedication to the world of auto-racing and grand-prix.
- Though Briatore's appointment was met with some skepticism, given his association with the "Crashgate" scandal and subsequent ban, he categorically denied any involvement in manipulative tactics and focused on improving the team's performance.
- In the midst of these changes, Franco Colapinto, the young Argentinian puppeteer boasting strong performances and substantial sponsorship backing, worked his way from Williams rookie to Alpina reserve driver, showcasing promise in the competitive world of sports racing.
- The Alpina team, with Briatore at its helm once more, strived to disrupt the fiercely competitive Formula 1 landscape and reclaim their rightful place at the forefront of auto-racing.
