Naomi Campbell Glides Beside Ex‑Fiancé Flavio Briatore Azerbaijan GP

Naomi Campbell, 56, arrived in Baku on Thursday night with a fresh sense of style as she joined her former fiancé, Flavio Briatore, 76. The pair walked side‑by‑side through the paddock at the Baku City Circuit, sparking headlines across motorsport and fashion columns.

Their reunion came more than two decades after their engagement was called off in 2002.

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## Background & Context

Campbell and Briatore first linked arms in 1998, when the supermodel was dating the head of Benetton and a key figure in Formula One. They spent four years together, even becoming engaged before splitting in 2002.

During that time, the Italian famously remarked, “She’s great but better as a friend than a girlfriend!”—a comment that has since resurfaced in discussions about their post‑relationship friendship.

The two have maintained a friendly rapport over the years, appearing together on holidays and at public events. While Campbell has spent much of her time in London, she recently announced a move to Milan, .

She shared photos from a Milan shoot with photographer German Larkin and used hashtags like #CASA and “Project” accompanied by the Italian flag, hinting at her new base.

Beyond fashion, Campbell has built an impressive real‑estate portfolio. She sold her 500 Park Avenue apartment in New York in 2006 for $5.25 million and owns a plush Tribeca condo. A property in Kenya’s Malindi and a former Moscow mansion—commissioned by billionaire Vladislav Doronin—add to her diverse holdings.

Briatore’s own legacy extends beyond F1 ownership; he steered Benetton into the 1990s, later leading the Scuderia Ferrari team to a season of dominance in 2004‑2005.

His influence in motorsport is matched by ventures in hospitality, gaming, and luxury brand partnerships, making him a familiar face to both racing fans and high‑profile socialites.

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## What Happened at the Grand Prix

On Thursday, Campbell strolled the paddock in wide‑legged white trousers paired with a simple black vest top, completing her look with Chanel slip‑on sneakers and sunglasses. She held her phone in a £2,000 Chanel Quilted Caviar phone holder, a nod to her high‑fashion credentials.

Briatore matched the event’s sport vibe in a navy polo shirt sponsored by Formula One, wearing quirky orange‑rimmed sunglasses.

The two were photographed laughing and talking, indicating a relaxed familiarity. The moment was captured by paparazzi and quickly circulated online, prompting a flurry of social media comments from fans of both the fashion world and motorsport. Neither party issued an official statement at the time.

Later that day, Campbell told Marie Claire that she would not become a “trophy.” She added, “If you expect me to be in the kitchen cooking breakfast in high heels, looking as though I just stepped out of a fashion magazine, it’s not going to happen.” The comment underscored her intent to maintain autonomy and focus on her own career.

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## What People Are Saying

The reunion sparked speculation among industry insiders. Some observers noted that the former couple’s public appearances have always been punctuated by moments of warmth, suggesting a genuine friendship.

Others highlighted Campbell’s recent relocation to Milan as a potential catalyst for rekindling old connections in the European fashion scene.

Briatore’s earlier remark about Campbell being “better as a friend than a girlfriend” was cited by commentators as a possible explanation for their amicable reunion. While no new statements from Briatore surfaced, his presence at the event itself signaled a continued willingness to engage publicly with his former partner.

Fans on Twitter and Instagram praised the pair’s “old‑school charm” and called the moment “the best thing about the Grand Prix.” A popular meme even juxtaposed Campbell’s Chanel gear with Briatore’s F1‑sponsored polo, humorously labeling it a “fashion‑fuelled pit stop.”

The broader fan base—especially those who grew up watching Formula One in the 1990s—reminded commentators that both figures represent different eras of: Campbell as the enduring face of runway beauty, Briatore as the audacious entrepreneur who reshaped racing’s commercial landscape.

Their shared history became a nostalgic touchstone for older fans and a fresh narrative for newer audiences.

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## Industry Impact

The unlikely pairing drew attention to the growing intersection between high‑fashion branding and motorsport sponsorship.

Historically, F1 teams have partnered with luxury automotive and lifestyle brands, but seeing a supermodel of Campbell’s stature openly mingle with a former F1 team owner on a racetrack signals a deeper cross‑industry conversation.

- **Brand Collaboration Potential**: Both parties have expressed interest in future ventures—Campbell’s new label collaborations and Briatore’s hospitality projects.

Their public appearance could hint at joint ventures that blend runway aesthetics with racing, such as limited‑edition apparel lines or themed hospitality suites at trackside venues.

- **Sponsorship Dynamics**: The fashion world increasingly seeks high‑profile sporting events for exposure. Conversely, motorsport teams look to diversify audience demographics. A high‑visibility moment like this can inspire sponsors to align brands that traditionally occupy separate cultural spheres.

- **Social Media Amplification**: The viral spread of the paddock photo underscores how celebrity interactions can generate organic content for both industries. Brands associated with either figure stand to benefit from the spike in engagement, leading to potential increases in merchandise sales and event attendance.

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## What Happens Next

No official announcements have been made regarding future collaborations or joint appearances. Campbell has continued to focus on her upcoming projects, including new fashion lines and her role as a mother to a five‑year‑old daughter and a two‑year‑old son.

She has emphasized that her children remain her top priority, a stance she reiterated in interviews with The Times.

Briatore has been linked to various business ventures, but no press releases suggest he will be partnering with Campbell again beyond the occasional public outing. Their appearances at events are likely to remain sporadic unless a new professional opportunity emerges.

In the absence of further public statements, the reunion at Azerbaijan appears to be a friendly, one‑off moment rather than the start of a renewed partnership. Both figures have indicated that their primary focus remains on their respective careers and personal lives.

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The 56‑year‑old supermodel’s return to the Grand Prix paddock alongside her former fiancé marked a notable moment in celebrity crossover events. With her new Milan base, continued high‑profile fashion work, and family commitments, Campbell’s next steps are likely to keep her firmly rooted in both the runway and motherhood.

As for Briatore, his appearances remain occasional but carry the weight of past associations that still resonate with fans worldwide.