Nelson Piquet Jr. calls his collaboration with Flavio Briatore as manager the “biggest mistake” he and his family could have made in his Formula 1 career. According to the Brazilian, he lacked someone during that period who truly put his interests first. “We should have had someone who advised us and protected me,” said Piquet Jr.
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Nelson Piquet Jr. was sidelined by Renault halfway through the 2009 season, a team then led by Flavio Briatore. Looking back on that period, he stated that he missed a confidant within the management. The Italian had several drivers under his wing, including Fernando Alonso. “The biggest mistake for me was taking Flavio as manager and mentor. That was our mistake, mine and my parents’: we had no one we could truly trust,” Piquet Jr. told SoyMotor.com.
‘Just a number’
The former Formula 1 driver emphasized that he needed personal guidance, but that it was lacking. “He had six, seven or eight drivers. I was just a number in the whole. He did with the puzzle what was necessary to earn the most from it himself,” said Piquet Jr.
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Piquet Jr.’s experience is also reflected in current Formula 1, where Briatore again has influence. For example, the Italian was linked to Franco Colapinto, although he is officially represented by Bullet Sports Management. Briatore previously also guided Jack Doohan, but that collaboration ended when the Australian left for Haas at the end of 2025. According to Piquet Jr., it is crucial for young drivers to have the right people around them. “If Franco has the right guidance, they must protect his interests. That is the most important thing. If you are with a large management with many drivers, you are not the priority. You need someone who truly stands up for you,” concluded the Brazilian.
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