Editorial: The Briatore method returns

Did he do the accounts? Weren’t the 42 years accumulated? Is that why Flavio Briatore returned to Alpine? Did he see a way to place his pawns and pocket a few new millions? So many questions were asked when his return was made official. And so many questions came back to the table on Tuesday, May 6.

While everyone was waiting for the announcement of Jack Doohan’s replacement, a much worse piece of news arrived: the resignation of Oliver Oakes, with the Italian who was going to temporarily fill the position. My God, what’s happening with this team? If someone could give Felipe Massa a call to check that he hasn’t had a panic attack or nightmares, I thank you in advance.

We are indeed talking about a man whose schemes are almost limitless. We are talking about a man whose tricks to cheat led him to be banned from Formula 1. We are talking about a man who sees and thinks only in terms of money and beautiful women.

A great strategist and a great mind, certainly. It’s not Michael Schumacher who would say otherwise. But the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix had serious consequences. A brand like Renault was hit hard by an absurd decision from Flavio Briatore. He, who felt so powerful, was called to order and faced the outspoken nature of Nelson Piquet. For once, he spoke without making inappropriate remarks…

The return of the Italian was a disgrace in the summer of 2024. So seeing him take on the role of team principal, what can be said? What will he be capable of doing within our increasingly Britishized French team? Is he going to shake things up? It would seem logical since he already started this work last year. Many programs previously implemented by Alpine have been swept away like street furniture after a typhoon.

Talk to former Renault/Alpine F1 employees about Flavio Briatore and they’ll tell you the rest. Ask some drivers for their perspective and they’ll continue their account. But warn the old man – sorry to those it offends, but we mustn’t forget he blew out his 75 candles on April 12, the tinnitus might be intense.

What will remain French at Alpine? Pierre Gasly? Let’s hope so. Because with the current reshuffling, there are reasons to wonder. With the halt of the 2026 engine project, the departure of Esteban Ocon, Bruno Famin, and other key figures… Is it still necessary to place our beautiful blue-white-red flag on this car? The Union Jack seems more fitting.

Despite his age, Flavio Briatore seems to be imposing his method once again. Entering quietly before ordering others to bend to his will. But how far will he go? Forcing Jack Doohan or Franco Colapinto to back down to give Pierre Gasly a second victory in Formula 1? Firing people he doesn’t like to make room for his friends?

What is certain in any case is that every time Alpine makes headlines, the reactions are strong. This is increasingly disappointing for the French, who, let’s not forget, finance Renault and therefore Alpine through their taxes. Because yes, the French state is the majority owner of the brand, with a 15.01% stake. So, ladies and gentlemen, work overtime to pay Il Grande Flavio.