43. Flavio Briatore

Flavio Briatore Returns to Enstone: Alpine Bets on Experience to Reignite Its F1 Ambitions

Formula 1 teams often look to the future in a sport where every second counts. But sometimes, returning to the past offers the best hope for progress. That’s exactly the thinking behind Flavio Briatore’s high-profile move to Enstone in June 2024, when he was appointed Executive Advisor of the BWT Alpine F1 Team at the request of Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo.

Flavio Briatore is no stranger to success in Formula 1. The charismatic Italian has led teams to seven world championships, building his legacy as a shrewd strategist and talent-spotter. He was instrumental in the meteoric rises of Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso—two of the sport’s most iconic drivers. His leadership steered Benetton to back-to-back drivers’ titles in 1994 and 1995, and he repeated the feat with Renault in 2005 and 2006, again with Alonso behind the wheel.

Now in his third chapter at Enstone, Briatore returns not just with experience, but with a reputation for transforming struggling teams into title contenders. His presence has already made an impact—by the end of the 2024 season, Alpine had climbed to sixth in the Constructors’ Championship, showing signs of renewed energy and direction.

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In many ways, Briatore’s return mirrors the cyclical nature of Formula 1 itself: a sport that constantly evolves but never forgets its legends. As Alpine navigates the intensely competitive modern F1 landscape, marked by fierce midfield battles and the dominance of giants like Red Bull and Mercedes, Briatore’s role could prove pivotal in reshaping the team’s culture and strategy.

Whether Alpine can recapture its former glory remains to be seen. But with Briatore back in the paddock, the team is sending a clear message—it’s ready to play the long game, with bold moves and experienced hands at the wheel.