Flavio Briatore Issues Stark Warning to Franco Colapinto Ahead of Crucial 2026 Season!
In an electrifying twist as the 2026 Formula 1 season looms, Alpine’s team principal Flavio Briatore has laid down the gauntlet for young driver Franco Colapinto. The stakes couldn’t be higher for the Argentinian racer, as he prepares to embark on his first full season in the high-octane world of F1. After a dismal 2025 campaign, where he failed to secure a single point and was consistently outshone by seasoned teammate Pierre Gasly, Colapinto’s reputation is on the line.
Briatore, a formidable figure in the paddock, has made it crystal clear that the time for excuses is over. “Franco is no longer a child,” he declared, signaling a shift in expectations for the 22-year-old. Last year was a steep learning curve for Colapinto, who stepped in for Jack Doohan during the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. But with the 2026 season now upon him, the pressure is mounting for the young driver to deliver.
Reflecting on Colapinto’s turbulent debut, Briatore lamented, “There were a lot of expectations, and everything was not managed properly.” However, he insists that this year, there’s a noticeable transformation in Colapinto’s demeanor and approach. “You see Franco’s face, and he is much more mature,” Briatore emphasized, hinting at a newfound readiness to tackle the challenges ahead.
One of the major hurdles that Colapinto faced last season was his abysmal qualifying performance. Time and again, he found himself languishing at the back of the grid, a predicament that severely hampered his race day prospects. Although his race pace often mirrored that of Gasly, the statistics tell a grim story: Colapinto ended the season trailing Gasly in qualifying by a staggering 17–5.
But there’s a silver lining. Briatore revealed that during the winter break, intensive work was done to address Colapinto’s qualifying woes. “Franco’s main problem was qualifying,” Briatore noted. “In the race, he was quick, like Pierre. He just needed to drive the car and qualify using his talent, not drive it emotionally.” The team has invested significant time in the simulator, aiming to refine Colapinto’s skills and prepare him for the high-pressure environment of F1 qualifying.
Colapinto himself echoed Briatore’s sentiments, stating emphatically, “As a team, there are no more excuses.” With changes to the power unit and new regulations in play, the young driver is ready to step up. “Now we have to put the work in and deliver performance,” he asserted, embodying a fierce determination to turn around last season’s failures.
The 2026 season is not just another chapter; it’s a pivotal moment for Franco Colapinto. With renewed focus and the unwavering support of his team, he is poised to make his mark. The time for results is now, and both Briatore and Colapinto are ready to fight for their place at the forefront of Formula 1. Will the young Argentinian rise to the occasion, or will he falter under the weight of expectation? One thing is for certain: the world will be watching.








