Flavio Briatore, an advisor for Alpine, shares the story of his return to Formula 1. The Italian was previously banned from the premier class, but now serves as an advisor for the French racing team. According to Briatore, his comeback is thanks to Renault CEO Luca de Meo’s previous disregard of his advice. Briatore also makes a promise to Alpine.
In June, Alpine announced that Flavio Briatore would become an advisor for the team. The Italian was previously banned from Formula 1 following the Crashgate scandal in 2008, but the ban was lifted in 2010. Briatore shares his comeback story through Alpine in the Formula For Success podcast.
Briatore’s Advice to Renault CEO Ignored
Flavio Briatore recalls advising Renault CEO Luca de Meo during his early days about Renault’s Formula 1 team, Alpine. He warned De Meo that “the people you have are not that good”. Much to Briatore’s frustration, his advice fell on deaf ears.
Three years later, De Meo reached out to Briatore again for advice. “I tell Luca: ‘Formula 1 is a different business. In Formula 1, you need someone who is dedicated to the team. Not too business-like and not bureaucratic, you need team spirit,” Briatore explained.
Briatore Invited to Assist Alpine
Following this, De Meo invited Briatore to assist him at Alpine. “I know the team, I know the factory, I know everything. So I tell him: ‘Why not?’,” said Briatore. “And this happened, you know, it was my old team. With this team, we won seven championships. And it’s the new challenge, it’s the new motivation. I am very happy to return.”
Podium Prediction for Alpine in Two Years
According to Briatore, the Alpine team still has a long way to go. “The team still needs to be assembled from the commercial side, the technical side, the management side.” However, the Italian is confident and even dares to make a small prediction. “Alpine, I promise you, give me two years. In two years, we will see the podium. By 2027, we will have a podium,” Briatore declared.
