Italian media reports suggest that Alpine, which had a disastrous start to the 2024 season, is looking to bring back a familiar face to set things right. Renault’s top executive, Luca de Meo, is reportedly trying to lure former team boss Flavio Briatore back to Enstone. Briatore was the head honcho at Renault’s Formula 1 team at the start of the century before he was dismissed due to the crashgate scandal.
Flavio Briatore: The Controversial Supervisor
According to Corriere della Sera, Flavio Briatore is expected to take on the role of a ‘supervisor’ soon. The Italian businessman will not have an active role on the circuit, but he will be able to exert his influence behind the scenes. Alpine is also reportedly considering a collaboration with Adrian Newey. The British engineer is leaving Red Bull this season after eighteen years.
Briatore’s Controversial History in Formula 1
Flavio Briatore is a controversial figure within Formula 1. During his time at Benetton and later Renault, he won world titles with Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso before he had to leave in 2009. His involvement in crashgate – the scandal where Nelson Piquet Jr. deliberately crashed his car – resulted in a lifetime ban for Briatore. This ban was later overturned. The 74-year-old Italian has been active as Alonso’s manager in recent years and is often spotted in the paddock.
Alpine’s Response
Alpine has not yet confirmed whether Briatore will indeed return to Enstone. “As a team, we regularly contact a number of industry experts,” a spokesperson said. “Where necessary, we ask people with the necessary experience for advice. We cannot comment on individual matters.”
