Alpine’s Riskiest Move Yet: Why Flavio Briatore’s Return is Stirring Controversy

The Alpine Formula 1 Team's decision to bring Flavio Briatore back into their fold has caused quite a stir, not the least because of his controversial past. Briatore, infamous for orchestrating the 2008 Singapore ‘Crashgate’ scandal, has been named Executive Advisor to the team. But why would Alpine take such a risk when his association with one of the biggest scandals in F1 history is still fresh in many fans’ minds?

The Role and the Man

Briatore’s new role involves injecting strategic thinking into the Alpine team. The Enstone-based squad has been struggling in 2024, managing to secure only five points across the first nine rounds. Despite his tarnished past, Briatore's track record in shaping successful teams is undoubtedly impressive. Having led Benetton and Renault to four World Championships in the 1990s and 2000s, his experience is invaluable, says Alpine's current Team Principal, Bruno Famin.

“I don’t really mind about the past,” Famin stated during the Spanish Grand Prix Press Conference. “I’m looking toward the future and trying what we can to get our team better and having Flavio as Advisor is the opportunity to have his experience help us. He has a very high level of knowledge of Formula 1. He knows a lot of people and I am sure he will support us in developing the team.”

The Elephant in the Room: ‘Crashgate’

‘Crashgate’ remains a significant chapter in Flavio Briatore’s career. For those unfamiliar, Briatore was banned from F1 for life after it was revealed that he conspired to have Renault driver Nelson Piquet Jr. crash on purpose during the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix. This act allowed Piquet's teammate, Fernando Alonso, to secure a race win. Although Briatore’s ban was overturned in a 2010 tribunal, the scandal still looms large over his reputation.

Yet, Famin argues that the importance of Briatore’s experience outweighs the moral implications of his past actions. “There is a very clear goal to improve the competitiveness of the team as soon as possible as fast as possible and we are looking for strong support,” he said. “The target is to make the team better as soon as possible and with the knowledge, the network, the influence of Flavio with us, it’s an asset. And we are using all available assets and we will still look for new assets to make the team stronger.”

Industry Reactions

During the same press conference, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, Ferrari’s Fred Vassuer, and Sauber’s Alessandro Alunni Bravi weighed in on the delicate matter. Wolff expressed a more forgiving stance. “I think we need to give a chance to recover from these situations,” he said. “I have known Flavio as an extremely smart businessman. He has a lot of know-how in Formula 1. Every input that I’ve got over the last 10 years that I have been in much more contact with him and I have a friendly relationship with him, was, in a way, helpful.”

Ferrari’s Fred Vassuer echoed Wolff’s sentiments, adding, “We know the story and I think he paid the price for this and now he’s able to come back.” Sauber’s Alessandro Alunni Bravi was more circumspect, explaining that he wasn’t “in a position to judge” given he doesn’t personally know Briatore. However, he did acknowledge Briatore’s significant contributions on the commercial side of F1, noting that he has brought valuable sponsors and innovative ideas to the sport.

The Strategic Gamble

Though some view Briatore’s return as a necessary gamble for reviving Alpine's competitive spirit, it’s hard to ignore the broader implications. Bringing someone with a checkered past back into a position of power may create unease both within the team and among fans. Alpine might be hoping that his expertise can reignite their fortunes, but it’s a high-risk, high-reward scenario.

Cleverness and experience are crucial in the fast-paced world of Formula 1, but ethical considerations can’t be completely sidelined. Alpine's willingness to appoint Briatore may suggest that they prioritize immediate performance gains over long-term reputational risks. Only time will tell if this controversial decision results in a meteoric rise or further complications for the team.

As always, cleverness is important, but it’s worth noting that Alpine has let go of many talented individuals over the years who have never resorted to unethical measures. Will Briatore's return herald a new era of success for Alpine, or will the weight of his past catch up to them? Stay tuned.