Flavio Briatore Takes the Helm at Alpine F1 Team Amid Controversy
In a shocking turn of events, Flavio Briatore has taken the reins at the Alpine Formula 1 team, despite not being officially recognized as its team representative. The former Renault boss controversially reentered the Enstone team last summer as a consultant but has now assumed the role of team principal following the sudden departure of Oliver Oakes.
Although Briatore is not listed as a staff member at Alpine, the team has made it clear that he is “fully in charge of the team.” This move has raised eyebrows in the F1 community as Briatore is not registered with F1 stakeholders, unlike Alpine’s racing director Dave Greenwood, who serves as the team’s official representative for administrative purposes.
Despite Greenwood’s formal role, it is Briatore who holds the power, making key decisions and acting as the de facto team principal. While Greenwood may handle administrative duties with stakeholders, Briatore remains the most senior figure within the team. This power dynamic extends to the Enstone base, where Briatore ultimately calls the shots, even though day-to-day operations are managed by a team that includes operations director Ian Pearce.
At race weekends, Briatore will be the primary face of the team, interacting with the media and overseeing activities trackside. Although other team members may handle press conferences and technical sessions, Briatore’s presence is expected to loom large.
The sudden shift in leadership comes on the heels of Oakes’ unexpected departure for personal reasons. This development has left Alpine facing yet another period of instability, a recurring theme for the team in recent years. Despite the upheaval, lead driver Pierre Gasly remains optimistic, citing the team’s strong foundation and the potential for growth under Briatore’s guidance.
As Alpine navigates this transition, all eyes will be on Briatore to see how he steers the team through the challenges ahead and whether he will seek to appoint a permanent team principal. With the F1 world buzzing about these changes, one thing is certain – Alpine is in for a season of transformation and evolution under Briatore’s leadership.
