Flavio Briatore’s return to the world of Formula 1 with Alpine has stirred the pot, prompting discussions about the past and future of the sport.
Sky F1 commentator Damon Hill has expressed his unease regarding Briatore’s reentry as an executive advisor at Alpine. Hill’s concerns stem from Briatore’s controversial history in F1, particularly his involvement in the ‘Crashgate’ scandal during the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix. Briatore’s lifetime ban, imposed due to his role in orchestrating a deliberate crash, was overturned by the FIA on appeal in 2013, but the shadow of that incident lingers.
Briatore’s tenure with the Enstone-based team during its peak years, leading the team to World Championships with Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso, is notable. However, Hill and others fear his ‘fast and loose’ approach could herald a return to an era of ‘skullduggery’ in F1, something the sport has been striving to leave behind.
In a press conference at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona, Alpine’s team principal Bruno Famin addressed these concerns, stating that Briatore’s extensive knowledge of F1 overrides his past controversies. Support came from other F1 leaders like Toto Wolff from Mercedes and Fred Vasseur from Ferrari, who regard Briatore as a ‘smart businessman.’ Despite this support, Hill remains baffled by the decision, questioning what Briatore can bring to the current team setup.
Hill’s perplexity centers around Briatore’s potential influence, given that he will not be taking on the role of team principal. Briatore himself clarified his position, stating that he’s there to support existing leadership and improve team performance for the upcoming regulations in 2026. Nevertheless, Hill worries that Briatore’s unconventional methods and disregard for rules could unsettle F1’s progress toward fairness and transparency.
Briatore, however, seems unperturbed by the skepticism surrounding his return. In typical fashion, he dismissed critics with a blunt “F**k off” when questioned about his controversial comeback. His focus now appears to be on guiding Alpine away from their current eighth place in the Constructors’ standings, aiming to revitalize the team with strategic insights and business acumen.
As Flavio Briatore steps back into the F1 spotlight with Alpine, the motorsport community remains divided. While some see him as a seasoned strategist capable of steering Alpine to success, others, like Damon Hill, caution against potential setbacks that could arise from his notorious past. Whether Briatore’s return marks a step forward or a step back for Alpine and F1 at large is yet to unfold.
