BWT Alpine F1 Team has announced the return of its previous team boss with a new role. This news comes after weeks of speculation regarding Briatore’s potential involvement with Alpine. The Italian businessman’s past, however, casts a long shadow. Briatore’s tenure at Renault ended in 2008 amidst the infamous “Crashgate” scandal.
A Storied Past Tainted by Scandal
Briatore’s association with F1 success is undeniable. He played a pivotal role in the championship victories secured by Benetton and Renault with Michael Schumacher (1995/1996) and Fernando Alonso (2005/2006) respectively. However, his leadership at Renault culminated in one of F1’s biggest controversies.
Crashgate Revisited
The 2008 Singapore Grand Prix saw Briatore implicated in a deliberate crash orchestrated by driver Nelson Piquet Jr. The plan involved Piquet Jr. causing a collision early in the race, triggering a safety car that would benefit teammate Fernando Alonso by providing a strategic advantage. The conspiracy remained hidden until the following season, when a disillusioned Piquet Jr., after being ousted from the team, revealed the plot in its entirety.
The FIA initially imposed a lifetime ban on Briatore for his role in Crashgate. However, in 2010, Briatore successfully challenged the sanction in a French court. The court ruled that irregularities plagued the FIA’s disciplinary process against both Briatore and Pat Symonds, the team’s former engineering director, who had also been dismissed.
An Unconventional Return
Despite the controversial circumstances surrounding his departure from Renault, Briatore has maintained ties to F1. He remains part of Fernando Alonso’s management team and has been involved in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. His return to Alpine comes at a crucial juncture for the team. Alpine is contemplating a significant shift in its F1 strategy, potentially transitioning from a manufacturer to a customer outfit by 2026.
Renault’s Future Uncertain
Luca de Meo, CEO of Renault, is reportedly evaluating the financial viability of continuing as a manufacturer in light of the success witnessed by customer teams in F1. Briatore, who will report directly to de Meo, is expected to play a key role in finalizing the team’s power unit strategy, with Mercedes emerging as a potential supplier.
The decision to bring Briatore back into the fold is bound to raise eyebrows. His return reignites memories of Crashgate, a dark stain on F1’s history. However, Briatore’s undeniable experience and business acumen cannot be disregarded. Only time will tell if his return proves to be a strategic move that propels Alpine forward or a gamble that backfires.