Earlier this week, Alpine made the return of Flavio Briatore to the F1 paddock official. He joins Alpine as an Executive Advisor, hoping to get the team out of a mess. A lot of questions surrounding this move have come up, owing to Briatore’s troubled past. But, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff doesn’t want to pay heed to controversies and is happy about Briatore returning to the F1 grid.
Alpine had a disastrous start to the 2024 season, and their on-track performance woes have added to the behind-the-scenes drama. Esteban Ocon had a falling out with the team, and won’t continue driving for them from 2025 onwards. Plus, several key personnel have left the Enstone-based outfit since 2023, including former team principal Otmar Szafnauer and Chief Technical Officer Pat Fry.
BWT Alpine F1 Team announces Flavio Briatore as Executive Advisor
BWT Alpine F1 Team can confirm that Flavio Briatore has been appointed by Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo as his Executive Advisor for the Formula One Division. pic.twitter.com/KAdNVkQBPP
— BWT Alpine F1 Team (@AlpineF1Team) June 21, 2024
With the danger of becoming a perennial backmarker on the horizon, Briatore comes into the rescue. And Wolff said (as quoted by Race Fans),
“There is a lot of experience and expertise that, like Bruno said, 40 years of Formula 1 do. And I think everybody deserves the opportunity to come back. For me, for sure, having another clever mind in Alpine, someone that is able to simplify things and apply common sense in any case, where Alpine is today, is a benefit.”
Briatore may have had controversies surrounding him throughout his career, but he is someone who knows how to win races. He was Alpine’s (then Renault) boss during their 2005 and 2006 World Championship triumphs.
While guiding Alpine back to the front of the grid in the near future could prove to be a step too far, what Briatore will be hoping for at the very least is to steady the ship.
What Flavio Briatore could offer Alpine
Briatore’s experience in F1 as a championship winning boss will come in very handy. Alpine has been stuck in the midfield for a long time, and this year, they wanted to make a push for the podium places but unfortunately, everything fell apart.
Slowly and steadily, they are getting better on the track, but a lot of work remains if they want to make strides. Briatore and Alpine’s immediate goal will be to make points-scoring a more regular occurrence.
Moving forward, they would also be looking for an Ocon replacement; preferably a driver who can help them grow for the years to come
