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His is one of the most familiar faces in the Formula One paddock. He has led Benetton and Renault to three world titles, and guided the careers of several superstar drivers. But what do we really know about Renault’s Flavio Briatore?

One thing’s for sure, he remains as passionate as ever, despite what has not been the easiest of seasons for Renault. We spoke to Briatore to try and discover just a little more about the ups and downs of being a team principal…

Q: Best part of being a team principal?
Flavio Briatore: There is no good part in being a team principal.

Q: The most annoying?
FB: It is nothing annoying - and it is nothing good. It’s just difficult.

Q: Running a Formula One team is like…
FB: …like any other business. You must be focused and fast thinking to be successful.

Q: What would you be if you weren’t a team principal?
FB: Not in Formula One - I would do something completely different.

Q: The first thing I do after a race is…
FB: …try to disappear.

Q: Winning a race means…
FB:…that you’ve done a good job.

Q: What is your favourite place to relax?
FB: My boat.

Q: Funniest thing you've read about yourself in the press?
FB: There is something every day. I’m not interested in all that.

Q: The most difficult decision you have had to make as a team principal?
FB: It is always regarding people - to manage the 800 individuals that make the ING Renault team perform in the best possible way.

Q: Best time during a race weekend?
FB: Thursday. Before you run the car, you are full of hopes.

Q: Formula One racing and politics is like…
FB: Formula One is not politics - it’s the opposite. Formula One is about delivering, politics is about talking.

Q: Your best moment as a team principal?
FB: Winning the world championships! All of them!

Q: Something you always wanted to do but never had the time?
FB: Three months’ holiday.

Q: How was your first race as a team principal?
FB: It was in Monza and I was very nervous.

Q: Who would you like to be for one day? And why?
FB: God - for obvious reasons.

Q: Does money change everything?
FB: A lot, not everything. Money gives you a freedom.