Former Benetton driver Riccardo Patrese has sparked controversy by comparing his ex-boss Flavio Briatore to a “Second World War bomb.” In a shocking statement, Patrese expressed concerns about Briatore’s management style, claiming that the Italian mogul could “explode at any minute” and cause turmoil within the Alpine F1 team.
Patrese, who raced for Benetton in 1993 under Briatore’s leadership, highlighted the challenges faced by current Alpine driver Franco Colapinto. The former driver suggested that Briatore’s unpredictable nature could put Colapinto in a precarious position, with rumors swirling about potential changes to the team’s lineup.
Known for his flamboyant personality, Briatore returned to the Alpine team last season and took on a more prominent role following the departure of Oliver Oakes. His decision to bring in Colapinto from Williams added pressure on the young driver, leading to speculation about his future at the team.
Patrese’s comparison of Briatore to a wartime bomb underscores the volatility and uncertainty surrounding the Alpine team. With Colapinto struggling to meet expectations on the track, the looming presence of Briatore raises questions about the team’s direction and potential lineup changes.
As the F1 season progresses, all eyes will be on Briatore and his impact on Alpine’s performance. Will his leadership style lead to success or chaos for the team? The future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear – with Briatore at the helm, anything can happen in the world of Formula 1.
