Alpine recently joined forces with Flavio Briatore, the Italian businessman who will now serve as an advisor to the team. Known for his infamous reputation as a former team boss, largely due to his involvement in the ‘crashgate’ scandal, his return has been met with disappointment in the paddock. While experts question his value to the sport, Briatore believes he still has much to offer.
Rumors of Flavio Briatore’s return to Alpine had been circulating for some time. On the eve of the race weekend in Spain, it was confirmed that the 74-year-old executive would indeed be joining the team in Enstone. Team bosses reacted positively to his comeback, with Mercedes’ Toto Wolff stating that everyone deserves a second chance. However, the media response was less enthusiastic, with former world champion Damon Hill leading the charge.
“I don’t understand it,” said Hill. “It’s very disappointing – I’ve seen the team bosses’ meeting too. They say ‘it’s Flavio, he knows the sport, he has so many good ideas’. But what does he really have to offer? Perhaps he has the audacity to make tough decisions at Alpine – after all, we know he doesn’t take the rules too seriously,” Hill referred to ‘crashgate’. “I’m genuinely worried. We can’t afford any more controversies.”
‘I am motivated and ready to compete again’
Flavio Briatore appeared on Sky Sports not long after. When asked to respond to the criticism, his answer was clear. “F*** off.” The Italian believes he still has a lot to offer Formula 1. “Luca de Meo (CEO of Renault) approached me because the team is struggling with performance,” he explained. “We negotiated for two to three months and now here I am. I am motivated and ready to compete again.”
Briatore will work closely with team boss Bruno Famin. Did he also apply for his position? “No, I work together with Bruno, he is in charge,” the Italian responded. “I just want to contribute. We have a good team boss, a strong organization, and I assume we will be competitive again soon.”
