Flavio Briatore

Flavio Briatore was born on April 12, 1950, in Verzuolo near Cuneo in Italy. He grew up in this region and later went on to become one of the most well-known personalities in Formula One racing. Over the years, Briatore has been known for his business acumen and flamboyant lifestyle, which has kept him in the public eye for decades.

Flavio Briatore was the team principal of Benetton Formula at the 1994 German Grand Prix, held on July 31, when their driver, Michael Schumacher, won the race. This victory was critical in Schumacher's career, as it was part of the season where he won his first World Drivers' Championship. Briatore's leadership was instrumental in Benetton's successful strategy and management during this period.

On April 26, 2000, Flavio Briatore joined the Renault Formula One team as managing director. His role involved overseeing the team’s operations and working towards success in the championship. Briatore was pivotal in Renault’s return to Formula One as a competitive team, eventually leading to significant achievements, including championship successes in the following years.

On October 9, 2005, Renault won the Constructors' Championship in the Formula One World Championship under Flavio Briatore's management. Fernando Alonso, driving for Renault, also won the Drivers' Championship the same year. This victory marked Renault’s first Constructors' Championship title and was largely attributed to Briatore’s tactical leadership and team-building skills, cementing his legacy in F1 history.

The 2008 Brazilian Grand Prix, held on November 2, was the last race with Flavio Briatore as the team principal for Renault. Despite a successful year, tensions and issues led to changes within the team. Briatore had a profound impact on Renault's success in the early 2000s, leading them to multiple championships. His departure marked the end of an influential era for Renault in Formula One.

On September 16, 2009, Flavio Briatore was banned indefinitely from any involvement in FIA events, including Formula One racing, following the Crashgate scandal at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix. It was found that Renault instructed one of their drivers, Nelson Piquet Jr., to deliberately crash to help teammate Fernando Alonso win the race. Briatore’s ban was a significant event in F1, shaking the sport's governance.

On January 5, 2010, Flavio Briatore's lifetime ban from FIA events was overturned by a French court. The court ruled that the ban imposed on him by the FIA was illegal because it lacked any clear legal basis, allowing Briatore to return to the motorsport scene. The reversal of the ban was a controversial decision, highlighting complex legal issues related to sports governance and regulatory authority.

On November 19, 2015, Flavio Briatore launched Billionaire Couture, a luxury fashion brand that caters to the upmarket clientele. The brand aims to provide exclusive clothing tailored to high-net-worth individuals. Briatore's venture into the fashion industry represents his entrepreneurial spirit and ability to identify and cater to niche markets beyond just the world of Formula One racing.

In 2018, Flavio Briatore opened Crazy Pizza, a high-end pizzeria that emphasizes quality ingredients and an upscale dining experience. Located in major cities, Crazy Pizza is part of Briatore's expansion into the hospitality industry. This endeavor showcases his ability to leverage his brand and fame, applying the same principles of exclusivity and luxury from his fashion ventures to his restaurant business.

On September 29, 2020, Flavio Briatore tested positive for COVID-19. His diagnosis made headlines due to his previous controversial statements downplaying the pandemic's severity. Briatore's recovery and subsequent public statements urged caution and responsibility, marking a significant shift in his public messaging and reflecting the broader impact of the pandemic on public figures worldwide.