Bernie Ecclestone, the former head of Formula 1, has expressed his approval of Flavio Briatore’s return to the sport. He believes that Alpine, the French racing team, could greatly benefit from the Italian’s expertise. The team hopes that Briatore’s appointment will help them compete with the top teams.
News broke in June that Flavio Briatore was making a comeback in Formula 1. The Italian businessman took on an advisory role with the French team, Alpine. Briatore had previously worked in Formula 1 with Benetton and Renault, but had to leave motorsport due to his involvement in the 2008 Crashgate scandal. Bernie Ecclestone, the former owner of Formula 1, views Briatore’s return as a smart move by Alpine.
Ecclestone shared with Blick how he learned early on from the head of Renault, now racing in Formula 1 under the name Alpine, that Briatore would be joining the team. “I had a long phone conversation with Renault boss Luca de Meo. He was desperate. Then Briatore’s name came up,” recalls Ecclestone. “We quickly agreed that only a doer, a bandit among angels, could help in such a confusing situation. And there are already enough saints in the Grand Prix circus!”
‘Success is All You Need in Formula 1’
The former Formula 1 boss explains why appointing Briatore is such a good move for Alpine. “Flavio’s great strength has always been: ‘Keep the discussions short, act and think big! You don’t need friends in Formula 1, you just need success’.” Alpine currently ranks eighth in the constructors’ championship with nine points earned.
