Crashgate scandal mastermind reportedly set to return to Alpine amidst rising tensions

Alpine could bring a major overhaul to its squad amidst the escalating tensions within the team.

Crashgate scandal mastermind reportedly set to return to Alpine amidst rising tensions

Flavio Briatore (L), Esteban Ocon (R) (images via IMAGO)

The entire Alpine crew is currently under massive stress over its performance. Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly‘s collision at the Monaco GP has further increased the issues. The French constructor is looking at options to replace Ocon by the coming season. Hence, amidst these changes, the 2008 Singapore GP‘s Crashgate scandal mastermind Flavio Briatore might join the team by the coming season. Briatore would have a special role within the team if his joining is true.

Flavio Briatore doesn’t hold the most impressive track record on his resume. The Former Renault team principal was involved in the highly controversial 2008 Singapore GP Crashgate scandal. Hence, the Italian was soon ousted from the team in 2009. However, the 74-year-old is all set to seal his return to the pinnacle of motorsport with Alpine.

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Briatore’s return to Alpine would grant him a special role within the team. The 74-year-old will be responsible for helping in the team’s recruitment drive, especially the replacement for Esteban Ocon. Alpine representatives declined to comment on the speculations but mentioned that the team was in frequent contact with the Italian. Regardless, the team reiterated their plans to decline commenting about the status quo.

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As a team, we are in frequent contact with a number of industry experts in pursuit of improving overall performance. We consider all relevant inputs and, when appropriate, seek advice from people with experience and previous success. We cannot comment on any individual matters.
An Alpine representative said, as reported by Corriere della Serra.

Bruno Famin claims Alpine will deal with the matters ‘behind closed doors’

Bruno Famin was extremely agitated at the Monaco GP after the collision between Gasly and Ocon. The team principal mentioned that the 27-year-old would face serious consequences. Hence, these comments gave birth to the rumors of Mick Schumacher potentially replacing the Frenchman. Additionally, Ocon also received a five-place grid penalty for the Canadian GP soon after the incident.

Bruno Famin
Bruno Famin (image via IMAGO)

The 62-year-old wasn’t too happy with discussing the matter publicly. Hence, Famin claimed that the team would deal with the matter behind closed doors. Also, the Frenchman highlighted that Alpine needed to avoid situations that could hamper the team’s image on a bigger scale. The coming few races would be very crucial for Ocon as they could decide his future within the team.

As a team, we will review and manage the incident between both cars behind closed doors. We must avoid situations that have the potential to compromise the team.
Bruno Famin said, as reported by motorsport.com.

Pierre Gasly is looking very strong after scoring the first points for Alpine in the 2024 season. The French constructor would likely provide a contract extension to the 28-year-old. However, with the drivers’ market opening up soon, Alpine could find an ideal replacement for Ocon. Time will tell about how the coming season fares for Alpine and Ocon.

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