Flavio Briatore joins Alpine: Know what was his role in Crashgate Scandal and other details

Flavio Briatore is making a noteworthy return to Formula 1, having been appointed as the Executive Advisor for the Renault-backed Alpine team. At 74, Briatore brings with him a legacy intertwined with the sport's history, marred by controversy yet marked by significant achievements.

Briatore's initial foray into Formula 1 began with his leadership of the Benetton team in the 1990s, where he steered Michael Schumacher to title victories. His influence continued as Renault took over the Enstone-based squad at the turn of the millennium. Briatore once again demonstrated his prowess as Team Principal, leading the team to further success with Fernando Alonso in the mid-2000s.

However, Briatore's career took a dramatic turn in 2009 due to his involvement in the notorious Crashgate scandal. During the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, Briatore and Renault’s then-technical director, Pat Symonds, instructed driver Nelson Piquet Jr. to crash deliberately. It triggered a safety car that strategically advantaged Alonso and led him to victory. 

Bruno Famin backs Flavio Briatore! 

The scandal, revealed by Piquet Jr. a year later, resulted in a lifetime ban for Briatore, which was later overturned on appeal in 2013. Despite the ban's reversal, Briatore remained distanced from an official role in F1 until now.

Alpine's current leadership, along with its competitors, seems prepared to move past Briatore's controversial history. Bruno Famin, the current head of the Alpine F1 team, has stated that the Crashgate scandal should remain a part of the sport’s past, suggesting a focus on the future and the expertise Briatore brings.

In his new role as Executive Advisor, Briatore is expected to leverage his extensive experience and business acumen to assist Renault's efforts in elevating Alpine’s performance on the grid. His return comes at a time when the team is striving to climb the competitive ranks of Formula 1, and his strategic input could be crucial.