One of the most influential and successful team managers of the 90s and 2000s, Flavio Briatore, is once again more actively linked to Formula 1 after several years of absence.
Flavio Briatoresurely Fernando Alonso’s most personal friend in Formula 1 and one of the most prestigious team managers in recent decades, has officially announced his return to the premier class.
Will be like Formula 1 ambassadora task in which he will help to commercially promote the competition through his vast experience in this field and also in the sporting aspect.
Official statement from Flavio Briatore
“I am delighted to be an ambassador for F1.
This morning the FOA (Formula One Administration) has issued the following statement:
“Flavio Briatore, in his capacity as a long-time Formula 1 ambassador, will continue to support us in building our relationships with existing and potential promoters and partners, and will develop commercial entertainment partnerships as we continue to grow this amazing sport.”
I am pleased and honored to be able to continue to support the commercial and entertainment development of F1.the sport that I love and that has been such an important part of my professional life.
More than 10 years of absence
Flavio Briatore was professionally trained in the business world and came to Formula 1 through the Benetton familywhich had a team in the category and had Briatore as director of operations for the textile group in the United States.
Under his command, the Italian franchise experienced a remarkable rise in the American continent and the Benetton family expressly commissioned him to build the team in Formula 1.
Although he was completely unfamiliar with racing, Briatore used his business acumen to surround himself with the brightest minds, hiring big names like Michael Schumacher, Ross Brawn or Rory Byrne, among others. Together they led the German driver to two consecutive world titles in 1994 and 1995, adding the constructors title in that second season.
The team lost momentum after several of its stars were signed by Ferrari in 1996, but after being reconverted into Renault it returned to the top at the hands of Fernando Alonso. In 2005 and 2006, four world titles came, two for drivers and two for constructors.
The lowest point of Flavio Briatore’s career in Formula 1 came in 2009, when he was expelled from Renault and Formula 1 considering himself guilty of what happened at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, in which Nelson Piquet Jr. was invited by the team to crash intentionally to cause a safety car that allowed Fernando Alonso to win the race.
“You will not be able to attend or participate for life in any of the championships organized by the FIA. You will not be able to renew the Superlicense granted to any of the pilots associated with Mr. Briatore, ”read the sanction issued by the federal body at that time.
However, on January 5, 2010, the Court of Great Instance of Paris annulled the decision of the FIA for considering it irregular and for understanding that Max Mosley, Briatore’s enemy, played a leading role in it. Now Briatore is getting more actively involved in Formula 1 again.