Controversial F1 figure gets surprise endorsement for Ferrari team boss role

Alpine executive advisor Flavio Briatore has been endorsed by Ignazio La Russa, president of the Senate of the Republic in Italy, to take over the leading role at Ferrari.

Briatore returned to the F1 paddock last year, taking up a position at the Alpine squad and working in tandem with Oliver Oakes.

However, Briatore assumed team principal responsibilities following the sudden exit of Oakes last month.

Despite his Italian roots, Briatore has never worked in F1 for Ferrari.

The Maranello-based squad has endured a difficult season to date, leading to recent Italian reports suggesting Fred Vasseur's position as team principal is under threat.

Vasseur suggested the blame for the poor start does not solely rest with the team principal - a view shared by La Russa, president of the Senate of the Republic and founder of the right-wing 'Brothers of Italy'.

“Flavio is a dear friend of mine, whatever he has done, he has always done very, very well,” La Russa told La Politica nel Pallone.

“I don’t think, however, that a great manager would be enough to manage Ferrari, at this moment in time.

“I believe – I don’t deal much with engines, unlike my son – that it is a question of going much deeper than just changing the manager who leads the team.”

However, La Russa believes 75-year-old Briatore would have a positive impact on the Ferrari squad. 

“Flavio would be a resource that could give a major shake-up. He is capable not only of growing but also of getting things done,” he added.