A highly controversial figure returns to the scene. Previously facing a lifetime ban, Briatore has now been given a new job in Formula 1

For Formula 1 at least, he’s a very controversial figure. Flavio Briatore has had several scandals, but the most famous is the “Crashgate” affair from 2008. Now the former Renault boss is returning to the queen of motorsport, in the role of official advisor to Alpina.

The 2008 Crashgate affair. That’s probably one of the main things that comes to mind when a Formula One fan hears the name Flavio Briatore. But what exactly was this affair about?

It’s 28 September 2008 and the Singapore Grand Prix is on. On lap 14 of the race, Nelson Piquet, Fernando Alonso’s former teammate, demolishes his Renault. At the time, the Brazilian called it a simple driver error, although it was clear to many even then that there was more to this.

However, a later investigation confirmed that the accident was deliberate. Briatore issued an order that had to be obeyed. But the order itself came from Piquet’s race engineer at the time, Pat Symonds. The whole incident was to help Alonso to victory. The now forty-two-year-old Spaniard won the Singapore Grand Prix.

Symonds subsequently received a five-year ban from motorsport, while Briatore’s original punishment was much harsher. However, the lifetime ban also became just five years thanks to a successful trial.

However, this is not the only case Briatore is behind. For example, the former Renault boss has been accused in the past of allegedly failing to pay €3.6 million in tax after buying a yacht and evading petrol taxes between 2006 and 2010.

This is a highly controversial person in the formula community. But from an objective point of view, it must also be added that his actions in the past have also put Benetton and Renault on top. This was when he won the World Championship titles with Michael Schumacher in the 1995/1996 season and Fernando Alonso in the 2005/2006 season.

Briatore got a new job at Alpino

However, controversy is very closely linked to his person. F1 fans are therefore not happy with the latest news. Briatore has been given a new job, officially becoming an executive advisor to the Alpine stable.

“Briatore will be mainly involved in the top-level areas of the team. This includes scouting for top talent and providing market intelligence on the driver market, challenging the current project by evaluating the current structure and advising on some strategic matters within the sport,” the team said in a statement.

Despite the controversial end to his tenure as team boss, Briatore remained involved in F1. He remained part of Alonso’s management team and was also involved in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Renault’s CEO Luca de Meo is currently evaluating whether the huge investment made in producing in-house engines for the Alpine F1 team will pay off for the company. For this reason, speculation is circulating around the paddock about Alpine becoming a customer team and sourcing engines from other carmakers.

Briatore is thus likely to take on this matter as well – making the final decision on the power unit, which could be Mercedes.

Source: F1, Alpine F1 Team, X