Former partner of Heidi Klum revives Formula 1 career following a 15-year hiatus
Year 2008, Flavio Briatore orchestrated a fixed race in Singapore's Formula-1 event, which led to his suspension in 2009. The Italian, who shared the glory of first World Championship wins with Michael Schumacher, is back in Formula-1 scene now as an advisor for the struggling Alpine team.
Marking his comeback to Formula-1 after a 15-year absence, Briatore remained silent, expressing his "honor" to become Alpine's advisor and his "excitement" to lend his "help." The announcement of the flamboyant personality's return in an official role stirred up whispers across the Formula-1 world. Briatore, known for his romance with famous model and host Heidi Klum, and father to Leni, is not devoid of controversy.
Alpine garnered close to 30,000 likes within an hour of announcing the deal on Instagram. It was Renault boss Luca de Meo who appointed Briatore, a former Benetton team boss and a significant success with Michael Schumacher.
The 74-year-old Briatore, who left Formula-1 due to the "Crashgate Affair" in Singapore, is expected to concentrate mainly on "higher level aspects." This involves seeking "top talents," utilizing his "insider knowledge of the driver market," providing strategic advice to the team leadership, and scrutinizing current structures.
Briatore a supporter of Schumacher?
A pivotal question revolves around the driver pairing for the year 2025, as Esteban Ocon didn't receive a contract for the upcoming season. The name Mick Schumacher keeps popping up - and if things go well in negotiations, Briatore might just be the key card for the 25-year-old. After all, Mick Schumacher is under Alpine's umbrella, but currently participating in the World Endurance Championship WEC.
Jean Todt, former Ferrari team boss and once President of the Automobile World Federation FIA, believes Schumacher deserves a second chance in the elite class. "He is an incredibly talented driver who surely has the talent for racing series," Todt said to "Sport Bild": "I wish to see him at the finish line of his dreams." Briatore could be crucial in making this happen.
Lawsuit due to the aftermath of race manipulation still pending
Briatore stepped down from the role of Renault team boss in September 2009 and was soon after suspended. He manipulated the Formula-1-Race in Singapore in 2008 by ordering an accident by driver Nelson Piquet jr. This resulted in a Safety-Car phase that benefited Fernando Alonso to win.
Felipe Massa had led the race for a considerable duration, but fell behind after an error during the pit stop following the crash - at the end of the season, Hamilton was short by a single point to become World Champion. Massa attempted to file a lawsuit for the "stolen" World Championship title in court, arguing against the evident fraud committed by Briatore and his associates.
Despite this, Briatore can now participate in official Formula-1 again - and he has big tasks at hand right away.
