Alpine makes a surprising announcement that former Renault Team Principal and orchestrator of the Crashgate scandal, Flavio Briatore, will rejoin the Enstone-based Formula 1 team as an Executive Consultant. The appointment comes as Group Renault CEO Luca de Meo seeks to identify promising talent and gain insights into the driver market. Briatore’s role will also involve assessing the current structure and providing strategic advice within the sport, as stated in the Alpine press release.
The decision to bring Briatore back to the team has been planned for some time, with reports suggesting that de Meo has been seeking him out for several weeks. However, this move is likely to cause surprise within the Alpine team and the Formula 1 community at large. Under the ownership of Liberty Media, the series has been striving to improve its reputation and distance itself from controversies associated with figures like Briatore.
During his previous tenure as team boss when it was known as Benetton, Briatore faced cheating allegations in their successful 1994 championship campaign. The team was accused of using traction control, a banned system according to technical regulations. Although no concrete evidence was found to support these claims, Briatore’s involvement in the Crashgate scandal remains his most notorious act.
In 2008, Briatore orchestrated a plan for his driver, Nelson Piquet Jr., to intentionally crash during the Singapore Grand Prix. This strategic move aimed to benefit his teammate, Fernando Alonso, by creating a favorable situation through a timely deployment of the safety car. When the scandal was exposed in 2009, Briatore received a lifetime ban from the sport. However, he successfully challenged this ban in court the following year, paving the way for his return to the team after a 14-year absence.
The Alpine recently implemented a policy of frequent changes in its leadership team due to a significant drop in performance. In 2023, Alpine’s former CEO Laurent Rossi, Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer, and Sporting Director Alan Permane were all dismissed, while former Technical Director Pat Fry decided to leave the team and join Williams. Bruno Famin took over as Team Principal last summer, but more changes occurred at the beginning of the 2024 season when it was revealed that Alpine had an overweight and non-competitive car. As a result, Technical Director Matt Harman and Chief Aerodynamicist Dirk de Beer left the team shortly after the start of the season, and a new tripartite technical structure was established. This technical structure is now led by David Sanchez, a former McLaren and Ferrari employee. Despite these changes, Alpine’s turbulent season continues, with more departures such as Bob Bell, who left his position as a consultant to join Aston Martin, and long-time Operations Director Rob White. So far, the team has only managed to score five points in the first nine events. With Briatore now having influence in the team, it is expected that more changes will occur in the hierarchy of Alpine as the controversial Italian seeks to strengthen his position within the organization.
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Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton achieved another impressive victory at the Brazilian Grand Prix. With a flawless performance, Hamilton surpassed his competitors and crossed the finish line in first place. This win brings the British driver closer to the season’s world title.
The race was intense from the beginning, with several overtakes and fierce battles between the drivers. Hamilton showcased his skills by overtaking his adversaries with precision and speed. His performance was worthy of a true champion.
In addition, the Mercedes driver also had luck on his side to avoid a serious accident at the start of the race. An incident between two drivers almost hit him, but Hamilton skillfully managed to avoid it and continue on.
With this victory, Hamilton extends his lead in the championship. With only a few races left in the season, the British driver is getting closer and closer to winning his seventh world title.
Brazilian fans also had reasons to celebrate, as Brazilian driver Felipe Massa secured a place on the podium. With a consistent performance, Massa secured third place and thrilled the local crowd.
The next stage of the championship will be held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Hamilton arrives with a comfortable advantage, but still needs to stay focused and determined to secure the title. It will be an exciting and decisive race for the outcome of the season.
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