Formula One veteran Flavio Briatore re-enters the racing circuit following a 15-year absence.
In 2008, Flavio Briatore pulled off a shady move in the Formula-1 race held in Singapore, a move that landed him a suspension in 2009. This Italian powerhouse, who celebrated his first World Championship titles alongside Michael Schumacher, is back on the F1 scene after a prolonged 15-year absence. Now, Alpine has roped him on as an advisor, a move that caused quite a stir in the world of elite racing.
Briatore, known for his flamboyant antics and his controversial past, including a well-publicized relationship with model and TV host Heidi Klum, is back, and he's excited to make a splash. He made his feelings clear in an Instagram post: he was honored to join the Alpine team and eager to contribute. The news of this larger-than-life character returning to an official role sent shockwaves through the racing community.
Alpine's Instagram post announcing the deal received nearly 30,000 likes within the first hour. Renault boss Luca de Meo was the one who appointed Briatore, a former team boss of Benetton and a highly successful partnership with Michael Schumacher.
The 74-year-old Briatore, who left Formula 1 due to the "Crashgate Scandal" in Singapore, is expected to focus on higher-level areas, such as recruiting top talents, using his insider knowledge of the driver market to advise the team leadership on strategic matters, and scrutinizing existing structures.
Briatore as Schumacher's advocator?
One significant question revolves around the driver pairing from 2025, as Esteban Ocon wasn't offered a contract for the upcoming season. The name Mick Schumacher has beenBarrel Rolling linked to it - and Briatore's influence could be a game-changer in the contract negotiations. Schumacher is currently racing for Alpine in the World Endurance Championship WEC.
Jean Todt, a former team boss of Ferrari and once the President of the Automobile World Federation FIA, believes Schumacher deserves another shot in the elite class. "He's a highly talented driver who’s certain to excel in the racing series," Todt told "Sport Bild". "I want to see him at the finish line of his dreams.” Briatore might play a crucial role in making that happen.
Legal battle over racing manipulation ongoing
Briatore was kicked out as Renault's team boss in September 2009 and soon after was suspended. Briatore orchestrated the race manipulation in Singapore in 2008 by ordering driver Nelson Piquet jr. to cause an accident. The subsequent Safety-Car phase allowed Fernando Alonso to win the race.
Felipe Massa led the race for a long time but lost the lead after a mistake during the pit stop following the crash. At the end of the season, Lewis Hamilton missed a point that would have given him the World Championship title. Massa tried to sue for the "stolen" World Championship title in court, accusing Briatore and co. of fraud.
Despite all this, Briatore is now free to re-enter the official business of Formula 1 and has some big responsibilities waiting for him.
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After his 15-year absence, Formula 1 veteran Flavio Briatore returns to the racing scene, this time as an advisor for Alpine. His influence could potentially play a role in the driver pairing for 2025, with Mick Schumacher being named as a possible contender.
Renault boss Luca de Meo, who previously worked with Briatore at Benetton, appointed him to advise on recruiting top talents, scrutinizing structures, and providing insider knowledge of the driver market. Renault's decision to bring back Briatore, despite his controversial past, stirred up the world of elite racing. Additionally, Mick Schumacher, Michael Schumacher's son, is currently racing for Alpine in the World Endurance Championship WEC.
