A well-known but controversial figure returns to F1! In the past, she has also faced a major scandal

For fans of Formula 1, and indeed motorsport as a whole, Flavio Briatore is a very familiar name, but a very controversial one. But is this the right move by F1? The former Renault boss has been involved in a number of scandals, but his biggest scandal was in 2008…

The Crashgate affair of 2008. That’s probably one of the main things that comes to mind when a F1 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. “I just made a mistake,” said the Renault driver after the race, who crashed into the wall at turn 17 and wrecked his car so badly that a safety car had to be sent to the track.

According to a later investigation, it was confirmed that the accident was deliberately ordered by the team or Briatore. However, the actual instruction came from Piquet’s race engineer at the time, Pat Symonds.

The whole incident was to help Alonso to victory. The now 40-year-old Spaniard won the Singapore Grand Prix, starting the race from 15th position.

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

The strange thing about all this is that the FIA had ample evidence. Nevertheless, Briatore won the hearing in Paris. The International Automobile Federation’s actions in this context are all the more bizarre.

And it’s far from the only affair connected with his person. Briatore was accused of tax evasion in connection with the operation of his 63-metre yacht.

He allegedly failed to pay €3.6 million in tax after buying the boat and avoided paying taxes on petrol between 2006 and 2010. In this case, the amount is around EUR 800 000.

“A new chapter of Formula 1 begins: we will bring you the excitement, fun, entertainment and energy that this fantastic sport deserves, stay tuned!” said Briatore via his Instagram.

It is not yet clear what role Briatore will take in Formula 1. However, it is likely that he will work directly for F1 management.

Source