Flavio Briatore Roars Back: The Formula 1 Comeback of the Infamous Puppeteer
The Remarkable Resurgence of the Nightclub Performer, Briatore
Get ready, F1 fans! Legendary Formula 1 character, Flavio Briatore, is making a comeback. The flamboyant 75-year-old Italian, who was barred from racing series for life due to the Crashgate scandal, is now set to take the reins at Alpine.
With a swift move following Oliver Oakes' departure, Briatore has been appointed as the new team principal at Alpine. On his first day, he didn't mess around, replacing underperforming rookie Jack Doohan with reserve driver Franco Colapinto for the upcoming races.
"Given the highly competitive driver field this season and Alpine's promising progress, we're making a strategic move to shake things up," Briatore explained. Colapinto will have five races to prove himself alongside experienced driver Pierre Gasly. Based on the results, the team will reevaluate their driver lineup.
Formula 1's Unlikely Rebirth
Briatore's return to the Formula 1 chief seat will surely raise eyebrows. Once known as a lothario who spearheaded Michael Schumacher's Benetton team to world championships in 1994 and 1995, Briatore is notorious for his role in the infamous "Crashgate" scandal.
At the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, Briatore and Renault's technical chief Pat Symonds ordered driver Nelson Piquet Jr. to intentionally crash. This orchestrated wreck ensured that Alonso would gain an advantage from the subsequent safety car period and win the race. When the truth came out, the FIA launched investigations and court trials that culminated in Symonds and Briatore's bans.
Despite his shady past, Briatore refused to leave Formula 1. He fought back, eventually overturning his ban. In 2024, Renault CEO Luca de Meo gave him another chance; perhaps de Meo thought of Frank Williams' famous words, "Flavio isn't a racer, but he always makes the right decisions."
The Road Ahead for Alpine
Briatore's new role at Alpine comes as the team aims to turn its luck around. With the 2026 season in sight, they need to nail down a competitive driver lineup. The new management promises to bring a fresh perspective to the team, aiming for a successful future.
So sit back and enjoy the ride as F1's controversial puppeteer navigates his way back into the top tier of motorsports.
- Formula 1
- Michael Schumacher
- Alpine
Enrichment Data:
- Overall: Flavio Briatore, formerly of Renault F1, has a history with the Crashgate scandal in 2009. His ban from FIA-sanctioned events was reduced from five years to three years. Key moments in his career and return include:
- 2009: Involved in the Crashgate scandal, where Renault ordered a deliberate crash at the Singapore Grand Prix.
- 2010-2012: Banned from FIA events.
- 2015 and Beyond: Gradual return to F1 roles, starting with informal advisory positions.
- 2025: Appointed as the executive advisor to Alpine, stepping up after team principal Oliver Oakes resigned.
- Briatore's Impact on Alpine: Since his appointment as team principal, Briatore has already made significant decisions for the team:
- Swapping Drivers: Briatore announced Franco Colapinto would replace Jack Doohan for five races, starting with the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, to assess driver performance ahead of the 2026 season.
- Leadership and Strategy: With Briatore at the helm, Alpine aims to maximize its competitive potential and secure long-term success, especially with the upcoming transition to the Mercedes engine package in 2026.
- Michael Schumacher, a prominent name in Formula 1 history, worked under Flavio Briatore when Briatore spearheaded Schumacher's Benetton team to world championships in 1994 and 1995.
- As Briatore prepares to take the reins at Alpine following the appointment as team principal, one may question whether his occasional controversial moves, such as those in the infamous Crashgate incident with Renault in 2008, will resurface.
- Fans and critics are encouraged to follow the upcoming races, as Briatore, often referred to as the controversial puppeteer of Formula 1, makes his comeback, vying for a successful future with the Alpine team.
