Since Oliver Oakes's abrupt resignation as team principal of BWT Alpine Formula 1 Team, Flavio Briatore, the Italian businessman who was once banned from the sport, has returned to the Formula 1 paddock to cover Oakes's duties. But who is Flavio Briatore, and why was he banned from the motorsport world?
The 75-year-old started his career in Formula 1 in 1985 when his company Benetton bought over Toleman Motorsport and became an active member in the team, building a championship car for Michael Schumacher.
After a short hiatus, Briatore made a comeback to the Formula 1 paddock with Renault in the 2000s, gaining 2 championships with Fernando Alonso in 2005 & 2006. Everything was a smooth sail for Briatore up until 2008.
Briatore was involved in the infamous “crashgate” scandal at the Singapore GP, which landed him a “lifetime” ban. Renault driver Nelson Piquet Jr. reported that Briatore, then team principal of Renault F1 Team, had instructed him to crash on purpose to help his teammate, Fernando Alonso, which made him win the race.
Although Briatore denied the allegations, he received a lifetime ban from all FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile) associated events in 2009. The following year, the French court overturned the ban, claiming it was unlawful.
The scandal soon became one of the most controversial events in the motorsport world as it questioned the ethics and team orders in Formula 1. As it still remains a dark chapter in the sport, Briatore made a comeback to the Formula 1 paddock at the start of the 2025 season as the executive advisor for BWT Alpine Formula 1 team.
With the recent resignation of Oliver Oakes, Briatore is soon to be covering the duties previously performed by Oakes for the upcoming 2025 season. While there hasn’t been a confirmation from the team on Briatore’s extensive role in the team, it has sparked controversy and curiosity within the paddock given his history. This sudden change in administration has raised questions about the team’s long-term strategy and the direction the team is heading in.
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