Briatore open to F1 return in new role

The former Renault chief said last month that he was happy being away from the sport and enjoying simply being a father.

However, in an interview with the Journal Du Dimanche, Briatore has dropped a hint that he may be looking for a way back into the sport - most likely in the commercial or promotional spheres.

Speaking about recent speculation linking him with a role alongside Bernie Ecclestone, at Pirelli or with Ferrari, Briatore said: "These are rumours and have no bearing on the matter. What is certain is that I am having a two-year break [from F1]. Then I am ready to try a new professional adventure.

"I have drawn a line under the role of team boss, but that does not mean I am saying goodbye to F1. Far from it.

"There are still some interesting things to do in the future - but more in the commercial field, in business. As far as the sporting side goes, I have already given everything."

Although Briatore said there were no exact plans for what he was going to do, when asked if a return would mean a job in the paddock, he replied: "It's a possibility."

Briatore, who campaigned hard for reduced costs when he was a team principal, also believes that the sport needs to make much bigger cuts to budgets in the next few years.

"I would limit costs so much more drastically, by at least 70 per cent," he said. "The teams are in agony. The cars are just a few seconds under the performance of GP2 cars - and that is a discipline that requires access to a budget 10 times less. It's madness, especially when it becomes extremely difficult to find sponsors.

"F1 is fighting for survival and she does not realise it. We have to stop having meetings that decide nothing."