Concern Over Flavio Briatore “Skulduggery”: “He Ignores Conventions and Rules”
The recent appointment of Flavio Briatore as executive advisor for the Alpine team in Formula 1 has sparked controversy and concern among sport experts. Damon Hill, the 1996 world champion, has been one of the most prominent voices expressing apprehension about Briatore’s return. He is known for his role in the Crashgate scandal in 2008, which led to a lifetime ban later overturned in 2010.
A Controversial Comeback
Briatore, a charismatic and controversial figure in the paddock, has always been a master at defying conventions. Hill, however, questions whether this return is a step in the right direction for Formula 1. “It’s extraordinary. I just don’t get it. It’s baffling to me,” Hill said during the Spanish Grand Prix, broadcast on Sky Sports. He expressed frustration at hearing team principals justify the choice, citing Briatore’s history of bringing forward innovative ideas while questioning the relevance of these contributions in the current context.
Technical and commercial challenges
Karun Chandhok, a commentator and former driver, also shared his reservations, especially considering the recent trend of promoting leaders with strong technical backgrounds. Examples like Ayao Komatsu, Andrea Stella, and James Vowles illustrate this movement. Chandhok suggested that Briatore’s appointment might be an attempt to balance Bruno Famin’s technical experience as Alpine’s team principal with Briatore’s commercial acumen.
One of the main challenges for Alpine will be deciding whether to continue as engine manufacturers or become a customer team with the new 2026 regulations. Hill speculated that Briatore could be the right person to make this crucial decision. “Maybe they need someone like Flavio who can make that decision for them,” Hill said.
Ethical Concerns
Despite the potential advantages, Briatore’s history raises concerns about ethics and integrity in the sport. “We don’t want to return to a world where there’s skulduggery that leaves a bad taste,” Hill said, alluding to Briatore’s past practices that often ignored rules and conventions.
Chandhok added that, although Briatore has remained involved in areas such as driver management and hospitality, he has been away from direct team management for a long time. “Flav is a clever man; there’s no doubt about that. How he will fit in, alongside Bruno Famin and the rest of the team’s structure, is the interesting question,” commented Chandhok.
On-Track Challenges
Alpine faces significant challenges on the track, highlighted by the incident between Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly in Monaco. With Ocon’s confirmed departure at the end of the season, the team is in a rebuilding process that needs to be accelerated.
Flavio Briatore’s return to Formula 1 as a consultant for Alpine raises serious questions about the team’s future and the sport’s integrity. With respected figures like Damon Hill expressing concerns, it remains to be seen how Briatore will influence the team and whether he can contribute positively without repeating past mistakes. The mix of experience and controversy he brings can be both an asset and a source of new difficulties for Alpine.
