F1 News: Alpine Announces Return Of Controversial Team Chief

Former F1 team principal Flavio Briatore, known for both his successful and controversial past, has been reappointed as Executive Advisor for the Alpine F1 team.

May 3, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Alpine driver Pierre Gasley (10) races into turn one during F1 practice at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports / John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Flavio Briatore, the Italian former team principal known for his dynamic yet contentious past in Formula 1, is stepping back into the sport. Alpine F1 team announced that Briatore will take on the role of Executive Advisor effective immediately. This major decision is spearheaded by Luca de Meo, CEO of the Renault Group.

In his new role, Briatore is tasked with several key responsibilities that aim to fortify the French team's standing in Formula 1. He will be overseeing the scouting of emerging driving talents and offering his seasoned perspective on the F1 driver market. Additionally, his role extends to evaluating Alpine’s ongoing projects and operational structure, where he will also have a hand in crafting strategic decisions within the sport. Briatore's extensive experience, characterized by his previous leadership roles at Benetton and Renault, where his strategies led to championship victories with Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso, is expected to bring valuable insights to Alpine.

BWT Alpine F1 Team announces Flavio Briatore as Executive Advisor

BWT Alpine F1 Team can confirm that Flavio Briatore has been appointed by Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo as his Executive Advisor for the Formula One Division. pic.twitter.com/KAdNVkQBPP

— BWT Alpine F1 Team (@AlpineF1Team) June 21, 2024

However, Briatore's career has not been without its dark chapters. His involvement in Formula 1 was severely tarnished by the infamous “crashgate” scandal at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix. Under Briatore's management, driver Nelson Piquet Jr. was instructed to crash deliberately to create an advantage for his teammate Alonso, who ultimately clinched the victory. The scandal led to a lifetime ban from F1 for Briatore, a sanction that was subsequently reduced following an appeal.

Rumors about Briatore’s potential involvement with Alpine began circulating prior to the official announcement. Notably, it had been reported that he had been in negotiations with Mercedes on behalf of Alpine, concerning a possible deal over power units.

The reappointment of such a polarizing figure as Briatore offers a mix of optimism and skepticism among fans and analysts. While his strategic prowess is undisputed, given his track record of success, the shadows of past controversies might pose challenges to his new role at Alpine. Looking ahead, his impact on Alpine’s performance and strategic direction will be closely monitored, as will the potential adjustments in team dynamics and overall approach to the fiercely competitive world of Formula 1. 

As the season progresses, it will be intriguing to see how Briatore’s second chapter in Formula 1 unfolds.