Flavio Briatore Leads Alpine in Consultancy Role Amid Management Restructuring

Alpine Formula One Team has undergone significant leadership changes following the resignation of team principal Oliver Oakes. Dave Greenwood, the team's Racing Director, has been appointed as the team representative responsible for administrative interactions with stakeholders, while Flavio Briatore, employed as a consultant by Renault, is described as being 'fully in charge' of the team's strategic direction and covering duties previously held by Oakes. However, Briatore is not officially the team principal, nor an employee or licensed figure recognized by the FIA, meaning Greenwood holds the formal responsibility as the designated person for the team. Briatore's return to a leadership role in F1 is controversial due to his involvement in the 2008 'Crashgate' scandal, which led to a lifetime FIA ban that was later overturned. Despite his unofficial status, Briatore remains the de facto boss of Alpine with ultimate authority under Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo, aiming to improve the team's performance. The clarification of roles aims to resolve confusion ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, but Briatore's presence continues to draw criticism from fans and commentators.