Flavio Briatore is back in the high-octane world of Formula 1, stepping into a pivotal role at Alpine, the team once known as Renault.
Briatore’s journey with the team dates back to its Benetton days, where he first made his mark in the racing circuit. However, his career took a dramatic turn during the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix due to the infamous ‘Crashgate’ scandal, which led to his departure from the sport. Despite his controversial exit, Briatore’s expertise is now being harnessed once more as he assumes the position of executive advisor at Alpine.
Renault CEO Luca de Meo played a key role in reintroducing Briatore to the team. In his new role, Briatore is tasked with focusing on high-level strategic aspects such as scouting top talent and providing insights on the driver market. This move is part of Alpine’s broader strategy to revitalize their performance after a lackluster start to the F1 2024 season, where they currently rank eighth in the Constructors’ Championship.
The team’s efforts to restructure have already included appointing former Ferrari and McLaren executive David Sanchez as executive technical director. Changes are also afoot in the driver’s lineup, with Esteban Ocon confirmed to leave at the end of the season. Meanwhile, Pierre Gasly’s contract status remains unresolved for the upcoming season.
Zhou Guanyu, currently driving for Sauber, is a potential candidate for Alpine’s 2025 lineup. His close association with Geely Group, which has a partnership with Renault, could serve as a significant advantage. Zhou has expressed his ongoing discussions with various teams and his desire to remain in Formula 1, indicating that Geely’s interest in motorsports might support his career ambitions.
As part of these sweeping changes, Alpine is anticipated to undergo further shifts in leadership, with Bruno Famin stepping aside from his current role. Despite the upheaval, Briatore’s re-entry into the scene marks a notable chapter not just for the team but also for the sport, reigniting discussions about past controversies and future potentials.
Flavio Briatore is making headlines once again with his return to the Alpine team, reclaiming a spot in Formula 1’s intricate world of competition. As Alpine strives to climb the ranks, Briatore’s involvement could prove to be a game-changer in their quest for success.
