Flavio Briatore, a prominent figure in Formula 1, is linked to Jeffrey Epstein through the appearance of his name and contact details in Epstein's "black book". He is not accused of any sex crimes, but his association with the late financier has drawn media scrutiny, particularly following his recent return to F1 as an advisor to the Alpine team.
Key Details of the Connection:
- Mention in "Black Book": Briatore's name and contact information were included in a personal phone book belonging to Jeffrey Epstein, which came to light through media investigations and the release of legal documents in early 2024.
- Other F1 figures: Several other notable F1 personalities were also named in the documents or black book, including former F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone, Lawrence Stroll, 1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve, and former driver Eddie Irvine.
- No Accusations of Wrongdoing: It is important to note that the presence of an individual's name in Epstein's contacts list, or in the associated legal documents, does not constitute an accusation of involvement in any sex crimes. The individuals mentioned are only believed to have potentially interacted with Epstein, traveled on his plane, or visited his properties.
- Media and F1 Reaction: The links to Epstein have created an "awkward" backdrop for Briatore's official return to F1 in 2024. There has been significant media buzz and discussion within the F1 community about these associations, although F1 has made no official comment.
- Investigative Reporting: Independent journalists, such as Whitney Webb, have conducted further investigative work into the connections between Briatore and Epstein's social circles, including links to Epstein benefactor Les Wexner.