Briatore's Back! and Controversy Reigns at F1® Alpine

 

Briatore's Back! and Controversy Reign at Alpine

Flavio Briatore's name alone conjures a whirlwind of memories for long-time Formula One® fans.

I remember his flamboyant arrival as the fashion-mogul-turned-team-principal for Benetton.

Controversy seemed to follow him like a shadow. You never quite knew what headline-grabbing statement or unconventional team management decision would emerge from his corner of the paddock.

Briatore has undeniably been a central figure in some of the sport's most talked-about and, indeed, darkest moments—the "Crashgate" scandal in Singapore and even televised clashes with his personnel are just the tip of the iceberg for this colourful character.

The news of team principal Oliver Oakes' resignation yesterday, among swirling rumours of team unrest and the abrupt sacking of driver Jack Doohan, replaced with the relatively unknown Franco Colapinto on a mere five-race contract, paints a picture of instability within what should be a strong and respected outfit. With its heritage of producing fantastic mid-range road cars, Alpine deserves a more settled environment in the high-octane world of F1®.

The sudden departure of Oaks and the arrival of Franco Colapinto on such a short-term deal have thrown the Alpine garage into what appears to be an uncertain environment as they head to the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola. Reports suggest Colapinto is thrown into the deep end with intensive simulator sessions and team briefings.

In a press statement, Flavio Briatore insists that the team principal's resignation coincides with Jack Doohan's departure. He was adamant that Oaks' decision was personal and unrelated to the recent driver switch and the resulting public confusion.

The stark reality is that Alpine currently has zero points in the World Drivers' Championship standings—a bitter pill for the intensely competitive Briatore to swallow. Looking ahead to 2026, when Alpine will switch to Mercedes engines, Briatore claims he's seeking a longer-term driver partnership aligned with the team's future direction.

As the European season kicks off at Imola, Briatore will be desperate to see Alpine finally score points in San Marino.

Formula One® Teams and Drivers thrive on consistency and a supportive team structure. From the outside, Alpine F1® Racing's current situation looks uncertain, which is reflected in the zero points scored for the season so far. Let's hope they can quickly put this turbulence behind them and focus on delivering results this weekend, as Alpine and Pierre Gasly are fan favourites.

The underlying narrative is straightforward.

Flavio Briatore certainly looks like he is back in his own unique style. He is both racing director and de facto team principal, wielding complete control over strategy and the entire team operation. He is, without a doubt, a character—a flamboyant and unpredictable force in the F1® landscape.

So, buckle up, F1® race fans.

Flavio Briatore promises entertainment, controversy, and a healthy dose of unpredictability to the midfield battles of Formula One®. I like Flavio; he has had 7 x WDC wins and 3 x Constructors' titles. He's a flamboyant character, and I have high hopes for Briatorie and Alpine as an F1 points-scoring team. 

The true winners, as always, are us, the viewers.