Among the many sides of Flavio Briatore‘s personality- controversy and glory are the most common ones. He’s back in F1 with Alpine, the squad he left in rancor 15 years ago after being at the center of the infamous ‘Crashgate’ incident of 2008. Despite all the ill fame Briatore has acquired over the years, one thing has remained constant: his zeal to claim and reclaim success. However, his comeback hasn’t been the most decorated one so far.

Alpine has been standing on shaky ground for quite some time now. With a mass exodus of senior individuals and an impulsive contract termination for Esteban Ocon, the French side hasn’t been in its form. Meanwhile, Flavio Briatore’s alleged idea to replace former team principal Bruno Famin has caused some stir recently. But now it looks like, the mastermind has set a goal for the navy and pink squad.

Things have been challenging for Alpine. The engines aren’t up to the mark and the cars are comparatively slow. But, with Briatore’s experience and seven world championships as team principal, he knows his way through. His past is motivating him to set a goal for the future. Speaking with F1 royalty, Eddie Jordan, on the Formula For Success podcast, Flavio Briatore revealed that he is setting a roadmap for the French team, saying, “It’s the new challenge, it’s a new motivation. I’m very happy to come back now. We have a new team principal [Oliver Oakes]. Alpine, I promise you, give me two years. In two years, we see the podium. In 2027, we have a podium.” 

Flavio Briatore is mainly setting a deadline for the new team principal Oliver Oakes. However, he too will be responsible for the the team’s success or failure within the set time limit. Is the Italian advisor going too far with his time frame? Maybe yes. The team is ending ties with Renault soon and with no contracts signed with their next manufacturer, the journey would be difficult. However, Alpine’s advisor is keeping his faith, thanks to his glorious stint in F1.

Flavio Briatore has had a motivating and magnificent career in F1

It was Luca de Meo, CEO of Renault, who planted the idea of Flavio’s Alpine homecoming. The advisor narrated: “One day we [Luca de Meo and Flavio Briatore] were talking. ‘Tell me why you don’t come back to help me?’ And this started the conversation with Luca. At one point, you know, I knew the team. I know the team, I know the factory, I know everything. So I tell, why not?” He further told the CEO that F1 is a different business and dedication is the key. No corporate or bureaucratic spirits work here. Only team spirit finds itself on the priority list.

Briatore is one of the most successful team principals in F1 history. He shared why he came back to Alpine. “At one point, you know, I knew the team. I know the team, I know the factory, I know everything. So I tell, why not? I need to organize myself completely differently, because, I don’t want to go to every race. I know I want to go, live in England, maybe one day a week, etc. You know, it was my old team, with this team, we won seven championships.” More importantly, take a look at the number of championships he’s won as the team principal. Benetton transitioned to Renault and then Alpine, but what remained constant was Flavio Briatore’s dedication to the team.

Undoubtedly, Flavio Briatore is a controversial personality of F1. However, his contribution to the sport is unparalleled. A constructor’s title and two driver’s titles with Michael Schumacher, and two constructor’s and driver’s titles with Fernando Alonso. These are the records of the infamous executive advisor of Alpine. Not just the fans, but Pierre Gasly and his would-be teammate must wait until 2027 to understand what it feels like to stand on a podium.

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