The Second Act of Formula 1 Outlaw: Flavio Briatore Navigates Alpine's Comeback
The Remarkable Return of the Nightclub Entertainer Briatore
After a contentious exit from Formula 1 due to the "Crashgate" scandal, Flavio Briatore is back in the driver's seat, steering Alpine Racing towards a new future.
A Complicated Past
The high-roller and former nightclub tycoon gained infamy in the world of F1 for his involvement in the notorious 2008 Singapore Grand Prix incident. Briatore, in league with Renault's technical director, Pat Symonds, orchestrated Nelson Piquet Jr.'s deliberate crash, creating a safety car period favoring teammate Fernando Alonso's win. Facing immense scrutiny, both Briatore and Symonds were banned from F1, although Briatore's ban was eventually revoked.
Steering Alpine Back on Course
Fast-forward to the present, Briatore finds himself as team principal at Alpine, taking over following Oliver Oakes' departure. Shortly after Oakes' exit, Briatore made a bold move, replacing rookie Jack Doohan with reserve driver Franco Colapinto for the following five races.
Citing the competitive nature of the driver field and the team's improving vehicle, Briatore announced the replacement, giving Colapinto a chance to prove his worth alongside seasoned pro Pierre Gasly. The team will reevaluate the driver lineup after the assessment period.
This unexpected move set the racing world abuzz, with whisperings of the decision since Colapinto's signing became public knowledge. Backed by significant sponsorship, the 21-year-old Argentinian is set to showcase his skills on the track.
A Second Chance in Formula 1
Briatore's comeback may surprise many, but the forceful Italian fought his way back into F1. Trying legal avenues, a court eventually invalidated Briatore's lifetime ban. Renault CEO Luca de Meo seemed to embrace the controversial character, welcoming Briatore back to F1 in 2024.
De Meo may have found inspiration in the words of legendary team principal Frank Williams, who once remarked, "Flavio isn't a racer, but he always makes the right decisions."
Source: ntv.de, dbe/sid
- Formula 1
- Alpina
Enrichment Data:
Background: Crashgate Scandal
In the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, Flavio Briatore and Renault's technical director Pat Symonds conspired to manipulate the race results, ordering Nelson Piquet Jr. to intentionally crash during the race. The incident became known as the "Crashgate" scandal, leading to Briatore's departure from Formula 1 and subsequent ban.
Oliver Oakes' Resignation
Oliver Oakes stepped down as team principal of Alpine on May 7, 2025, with his duties being taken over by Flavio Briatore. Oakes' departure was not publicly attributed to a rift with Briatore, citing "personal" reasons instead.
Driver Swap
Briatore's arrival at Alpine was marked by the replacement of Jack Doohan with Franco Colapinto for the following five races. Colapinto, a 21-year-old Argentinian with significant sponsorship backing, will be given a chance to demonstrate his driving skills alongside Pierre Gasly.
- Flavio Briatore, who made a shocking return to the Formula 1 scene, faced a lifetime ban due to his role in the Crashgate scandal, but a court ruling eventually invalidated that ban.
- As the general-news unfolded, it was announced that Michael Schumacher's former team principal, Flavio Briatore, would be steering the comeback of Alpina Racing, following the departure of Oliver Oakes.
- Briatore's sudden decision to replace rookie driver Jack Doohan with reserve driver Franco Colapinto in Alpine Racing was unexpected, causing a buzz in the sports-betting world as the younger Argentinian prepared to showcase his skills alongside seasoned pro Pierre Gasly.
- In a surprising twist, sports-betting enthusiasts may have to reconsider their odds as Briatore's controversial past and iconic status in the world of F1 came into play in his appointment at Alpina during the midst of the crime-and-justice saga that arose following the Crashgate scandal.
- With the Formula 1 season in full swing, the racing world eagerly watches as Flavio Briatore navigates Alpina's comeback, treading a fine line between sports and crime-and-justice, while hoping for a brighter future for the team.
