Flavio Briatore is readjusting to life in F1 and has noticed dramatic changes over the years.
Appointed by Groupe Renault’s CEO as an executive advisor at Alpine, Briatore’s re-entry into the sport has brought him face-to-face with these transformations.
A Different Era of F1 Friendships
Appearing alongside former Jordan F1 team boss Eddie Jordan on a podcast, Briatore shared memories from their days in the 1990s and 2000s.
Jordan highlighted how team principals were once great friends. “One of the first times that I met Flavio, it was with Michael Flatley from Riverdance, I think it was Naomi [Campbell] and Flavio, Bernie [Ecclestone] came with Slavica [Ecclestone’s ex-wife], we had Pierce Brosnan, and Helena Christensen,” Jordan reminisced.
The Shift in Team Principal Dynamics
Briatore noted the stark differences in the relationships among F1 paddock personnel today compared to his former tenure. Revisiting the recent Belgian Grand Prix, Briatore illustrated these changes with an encounter involving Christian Horner.
“So Christian called me, asking me ‘Flavio, can I come and see your motorhome?'” Briatore recounted. This request led to a startling admission from Horner.
Alpine’s New Motorhome: A Symbol of Change
At Spa, Alpine’s new motorhome – designed like a chalet – drew much attention.
Briatore explained, “We had the new motorhome at Spa…So Christian called me, asking me ‘Flavio, can I come and see your motorhome?'” They spent time together, with Horner revealing that it was the first time in many years he had entered another team’s motorhome. This interaction highlighted a shift from the past.
Casual Interactions of the Past
Briatore recalled how he, Jordan, and other team principals would frequently visit each other’s motorhomes.
He elaborated, “So basically, at the time with Eddie, I’d go to his motorhome, and he’d come in my motorhome. We’d go to the motorhome of Ferrari.” He fondly remembered social events, such as a party at Maranello with Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemelo.
However, he noted excluding Ron Dennis from these interactions, signifying a unique exception.
The Evolution of the F1 Environment
Briatore emphasized how competition was always present, but the human element of the sport was stronger back then. “Now, it’s completely different,” he remarked.
“We were always fighting together because we wanted to win, we wanted to have a better car…But I believe it was more human, I don’t know, we were much more human respect.” He pointed out how current relationships seem more technical and business-oriented.
Efforts by F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali to revive some of the camaraderie were acknowledged, but Briatore noted a different atmosphere pervading the sport today.
Modern-Day F1: Better or Worse?
Reflecting on the changes, Briatore mused whether the current state of F1 is better or worse. He discussed the organized social events and friendly interactions of the past, suggesting a loss of these elements in modern times.
“We had a joke, we spent time together – holiday, no holiday. Now I believe it’s completely different,” Briatore expressed.
A Glimpse into the Past
In conclusion, Briatore’s reflections offer a glimpse into the past and provide valuable insight into how much F1 has evolved over the years.
Flavio Briatore’s observations underscore a significant transformation in the social dynamics of F1.
While competition remains fierce, the personal connections among team principals have evidently waned, marking a distinct shift from the sport’s earlier days.
