Controversial Flavio Briatore returns to F1 grid as 'de facto' team principal!
Flavio Briatore, a figure known for past F1 success but also controversy ('Crashgate'), is set to make a surprising return as Team Principal of the struggling Alpine F1 team. The 75-year-old is expected to take charge ahead of the Emilia Romagna GP, tasked with leading a turnaround following recent team departures and a point-less season so far.
Flavio Briatore is poised to take the helm as Team Principal of the Alpine Formula 1 team, marking a surprising return to a leadership role in the sport at age 75. His appointment follows a period of significant change and difficulty for the French team, including recent departures of key personnel like the previous Team Principal, Oliver Oakes, and technical directors.
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Briatore brings a history of remarkable success in F1, having previously led teams like Benetton and Renault to multiple world championships with drivers such as Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso. However, his previous tenure ended amidst controversy surrounding the 'Crashgate' scandal at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, which initially led to a lifetime ban from the sport before being overturned by a French court.
His return comes at a challenging time for Alpine, who have endured a difficult start to the 2025 season, failing to score any points in the first six races. Renault CEO Luca de Meo reportedly sought a prominent figure to lead the team's turnaround efforts.
Briatore, known for a "ruthless approach" and being a "polarising figure," is expected to assume his responsibilities ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola on May 18th. This "shock return," given his age and past, sees him tasked with guiding Alpine out of their current performance slump.
