Briatore Denies Crashgate Role Amidst Alpine Return and Massa Legal Battle

Flavio Briatore, recently appointed as an executive consultant for Alpine, has reiterated his denial of involvement in the infamous 2008 'Crashgate' scandal, asserting he never instructed driver Nelson Piquet Jr. to deliberately crash during the Singapore Grand Prix. Briatore's return to the Enstone-based team, where he previously served as managing director during a successful era, comes years after the incident led to his departure and a lifetime ban from the sport by the FIA. This ban was later overturned by a French court, leading to a settlement with the governing body that involved a three-year exclusion from F1. In a recent interview, Briatore firmly stated that he and Piquet Jr. 'never spoke' about a plan for the driver to crash. He also downplayed their relationship during Piquet Jr.'s time with the team, indicating limited interaction even when the Brazilian was one of his drivers alongside Fernando Alonso. Briatore highlighted the court's annulment of his ban as vindication. The 2008 Singapore Grand Prix saw Piquet Jr. crash, triggering a safety car period that significantly aided his teammate Alonso, who went on to win the race from a low grid position. Investigations revealed the crash was deliberate, orchestrated by members of the Renault team management to benefit Alonso. Pat Symonds, the team's technical director at the time, also received a ban, though his admission of participation contrasted with Briatore's consistent denials. Briatore commented on his previous departure from the team, stating he felt tired and that F1 had become 'just another job' rather than an exciting business after achieving success and launching new drivers. His current role at Alpine was facilitated by Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo. Adding another layer to the 2008 controversy, Felipe Massa, who was leading the Singapore race before Piquet Jr.'s crash and ultimately lost the championship that year to Lewis Hamilton, is pursuing legal action. Massa alleges the FIA failed to properly handle the 'Crashgate' allegations in a timely manner, arguing that had they done so, the outcome of the championship could have been different, potentially resulting in him winning the title. His case is scheduled for a hearing in October. Thus, Briatore's return to the F1 paddock coincides with renewed focus on a past scandal that continues to cast a long shadow, particularly with legal challenges seeking to revisit the events and their consequences seventeen years later.