Flavio Briatore's CV
Born in April 12 1950 in Northern Italy, Flavio Briatore has developed a unique business approach to Formula One, rooted in a dynamic, determined character decorated with individualistic flair. A chance meeting with the Benetton family led him to first to the world of fashion, and then to Formula 1.
Fifteen years later, he is a major player in this fast-moving universe, renowned for his commercial acumen and talent-spotting skills, but with diversified business interests that stretch far beyond the paddock. However, his core focus remains the management of the Renault F1 Team, which he led to double world championship victory in 2005. The team currently leads both World Championships. Flavio Briatore will remain Managing Director for the 2007 and 2008 seasons.
Date of Birth: 12 April 1950
Place of Birth: Verzuolo, Italy
Nationality: Italian
1974: While working in the Milan Stock Exchange, Briatore met Luciano Benetton.
1977: Established the United Colours of Benetton in the United States.
1988: Attended his first Grand Prix, in Adelaide, Australia, as a guest of Luciano Benetton.
1989: Joined the Benetton Formula One team, as Commercial Director.
1991 - 1998: Briatore assumed the role of Team Principal at Benetton in 1991, the same year that the team recruited a young Michael Schumacher at the Italian Grand Prix. By 1994, under Briatore’s dynamic leadership, the team had taken its first World Drivers’ Championship, which was followed by both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ titles in 1995.
1998: After leaving Benetton Formula in late 1997, Briatore established Supertec Sport, supplying V10 engines to Benetton and three other teams.
2000: When Renault decided to return to Formula 1 by purchasing the Benetton team, they called on Briatore to lead the team. He was appointed Managing Director of Renault Sport UK, and returned to the paddock at the Brazilian Grand Prix in March of the same year.
2002: The first season as a 100% Renault team saw Briatore guide the team to a solid 4th position in the Constructors’ Championship with drivers Jarno Trulli and Jenson Button. In July, Briatore announced that Fernando Alonso – the team’s test driver – would replace Button as a race driver in 2003.
2003 – 2004: In 2003, Briatore assumed control of the team’s engine development unit in Viry-Châtillon, Paris, driving the engine design direction that would form the basis of the team’s world championship victory in 2005. The team continued to make spectacular progress in the rarefied world of F1, inspired by Fernando Alonso, who won the team’s first race at the Hungarian Grand Prix – and became the youngest winner in Formula 1 history. Victory with Jarno Trulli in Monaco, 2004, followed as the team secured third position in the Constructors’ Championship, laying the foundations for the following season’s championship challenge.
2005: After victory in the opening four races of the season, the Renault F1 Team established a strong position in the Constructors’ Championship, that the team defended with a blend of performance and reliability that saw Fernando Alonso become World Drivers’ Champion in Brazil. The team then went on the attack at the final races of the year, securing the Constructors’ Championship in the final race in Shanghai, and making Briatore the only team principal in Formula 1 to have won world championships with two different teams, Benetton and Renault.
2006: The Renault F1 Team once again proved the class of the field in the opening stages of 2006, taking three wins in the opening three races. This solid platform, combined with strong technical development on all fronts, has allowed the team to fight hard against a resurgent Ferrari team, led by Michael Schumacher, in both championships. The 2006 season has also seen Briatore working hard to plan for the future of the Renault F1 Team, with new drivers and new commercial partners. His confirmation of a two-year contract with the team for 2007 and 2008 means he will lead the team into its second era, beginning next year.
