In a stunning development within Formula 1, Flavio Briatore, a name synonymous with both success and scandal in the sport, has made a dramatic return. Appointed as the executive advisor to the chairman of the Alpine team, his re-entry has already sparked widespread conversation and controversy. Briatore gave a short and expletive response to the critics.
A brief overview of Briatore’s history reveals why his comeback is so contentious. Once banned for life in 2009 due to his participation in the notorious ‘Crashgate’ scandal at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, his lifetime ban was overturned by a French high court in 2010. Despite this checkered past, Briatore has never been far from the F1 paddock, maintaining various informal ties to the sport.
Recently, Briatore accepted a role with Alpine, stirred by conversations with Luca de Meo, the chairman of Renault. This move comes as Alpine seeks to reclaim its competitive edge in F1 under Briatore’s strategic guidance. Given his extensive background with teams like Benetton and Renault, Alpine is optimistic about leveraging his experience.
Briatore clarified the scope of his involvement, emphasizing a strategic rather than operational role. He said to Sky Sports News pundit Craig Slater, as quoted by Crash.net:
“I know the chairman of Renault, Luca de Meo, very well and have lots of respect for Luca. He met some difficulties in the performance of the team. He asked if it was possible for me to be the executive advisor of the chairman. We negotiated for two or three months, maybe more.
“I feel I have the motivation to do it. I feel it is possible to do it. I feel that it’s possible to put the team again on the right direction to performing and this is what I like, to go back in the competition.”
As an executive advisor, Briatore aims to guide the team back to prominence but will steer clear of day-to-day operational duties such as tire strategies. He is working closely with the current team principal, Bruno Famin, to synergize efforts across Alpine’s leadership spectrum. He continued:
“No, no. Team principal? We have a team principal, we have Bruno. No problem at all. I’m working with Bruno, I’m working with everybody. For me, I’m working with Luca. This is my job, I report to him and we try together to get the best performance for the team.
“I’m not changing the tyres yet. I don’t want to change the tyres, I don’t want to drive the car. I just want to be competitive. In two years’ time, we will be there.
“I want to give my contribution. We have a team principal who is doing a very good job, we have an organisation working together and I’m sure we’ll put everything together in a very short time.”
However, not everyone is thrilled about Briatore’s return. When pressed on the skepticism surrounding his reappointment due to his past controversies, Briatore was dismissively blunt, uttering a sharp “F*** off.”
Slater commented on the conversation:
“He’s one of F1’s big beasts, 74 years old. I did ask him if he’s in favour of Alpine becoming a customer, in engine terms. Maybe taking Mercedes engines. He wouldn’t be drawn on that.
“I also asked him what he’d say to those who don’t want him back in the F1 paddock. His response was to the point, short, and not broadcastable.”
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
The post Flavio Briatore’s Expletive ‘Non-Broadcastable’ Response To Critics After F1 Return appeared first on Newsweek.
