Who is Flavio Briatore?
Flavio Briatore, a name synonymous with wealth, success, and the high-speed world of Formula 1, didn’t have his beginnings in the glitzy world he is known for today. Born in April 1950, Briatore initially paved his career path in the hospitality and insurance sectors in his native Italy. His exceptional management skills eventually led him to become a successful franchiser for the Benetton fashion brand, and later, the manager of the Benetton F1 team.
Briatore’s personal life is as colorful as his professional journey, marrying Elisabetta and fathering two children, Helene Boshoven Samuel and Falco Nathan Briatore. He is also known for owning the renowned Billionaire Night Club on Costa Smeralda.
Key Takeaways
- Flavio Briatore started his career as a restaurant manager and insurance salesman in Italy. His career took off when he became a successful franchiser for the Benetton fashion brand.
- Despite facing several fraud charges in the 1980s, Briatore co-owned and established a successful Benetton franchise in the Virgin Islands and the United States.
- He was promoted to the manager of the Benetton Formula One racing team and signed Michael Schumacher as an F1 driver.
- His net worth is estimated at around US$ 200 million.
- He has two children – one with supermodel Heidi Klum and another with his wife, Wonderbra model Elisabetta Gregoraci.
- Despite being hospitalized after testing positive for Coronavirus, Briatore has since recovered and remains active on his Instagram account.
Brushes with Law and Ascension in the Business World
The Italian businessman’s journey hasn’t been without hurdles. In the 1980s, Briatore faced several fraud charges in Italy. However, showing remarkable resilience, he co-owned and established a successful Benetton franchise in the Virgin Islands and the United States.
Benetton, a global powerhouse in the fashion industry with annual sales surpassing USD 2 billion, saw immense growth under Briatore’s leadership. By 1989, Benetton boasted more than 800 stores in the U.S., providing Briatore with substantial commissions and bolstering his wealth.
Transition to the Fast-Paced World of Formula One
After selling his stake in the Benetton franchise, Briatore was promoted by Luciano Benetton to the manager of the Benetton Formula One racing team. This marked the beginning of his significant contribution to the F1 world, including signing the iconic Michael Schumacher as an F1 driver.
The team transitioned to Renault F1 in 2002, and Briatore continued to make headlines in the F1 world until his resignation in 2009, due to race-fixing allegations. Despite this setback, Briatore returned to the F1 scene in 2019, backing Ferrari’s management changes.
Briatore’s Involvement in Other Ventures and Personal Life
Beyond the world of fashion and F1, Briatore co-owned and chaired London’s Queens Park Rangers F.C. from 2007 to 2010, alongside Bernie Ecclestone and Lakshmi Mittal. He is also the manager of F1 race driver Fernando Alonso.
As of now, Briatore’s net worth is estimated to be around US$ 200 million. His personal life is equally interesting, having been in a long-term relationship with supermodel Heidi Klum, who is the mother of his first child. Later, he married Wonderbra model Elisabetta Gregoraci, and they have a son, Falco Nathan.
Overcoming Health Challenges
In August 2020, Flavio Briatore faced a health scare when he tested positive for Coronavirus. Italian media reported that he was in serious condition and hospitalized. However, he made a successful recovery and continues to be quite active on his Instagram account, sharing snippets of his life and work.
Sources
http://www.flaviobriatore.it
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FlavioBriatore
https://www.instagram.com/briatoreflavio
http://world.billionairecouture.com
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