Flavio Briatore Denies Involvement in 'Crashgate' Scandal: Claims

Flavio Briatore Denies Involvement in ‘Crashgate’ Scandal: Claims No Direct Communication with Nelson Piquet Jr.

Flavio Briatore, the former Renault Formula 1 team principal, has reiterated his denial of involvement in the 2008 “Crashgate” scandal, asserting that he never instructed Nelson Piquet Jr. to deliberately crash during the Singapore Grand Prix.

The controversy centers around allegations that Piquet Jr. was directed to crash intentionally to benefit his teammate, Fernando Alonso. Briatore has consistently denied these claims, stating that he had no direct communication with Piquet Jr. regarding any such plan. He emphasized that any suggestion of his involvement is unfounded.

In 2009, the FIA imposed a lifetime ban on Briatore for his alleged role in the incident. However, a French court overturned this ban in 2010, citing procedural irregularities in the FIA’s decision-making process, though it did not exonerate him of wrongdoing.

Despite the controversy, Briatore has returned to Formula 1 in various capacities. In 2024, he was appointed as an executive adviser to the Alpine F1 team, and in 2025, he assumed team principal responsibilities following the resignation of Oliver Oakes.

Briatore’s return to the sport continues to spark debate, with critics questioning the ethical implications of his reinstatement. Nevertheless, he maintains his stance of non-involvement in the “Crashgate” incident and focuses on his current role within the Alpine team.