Flavio Briatore Urges Doohan: “Pilots Must Be Correct, 1000 People Depend on Them”
The racing world is buzzing with speculations about a potential switch-up at Alpine between Jack Doohan and Franco Colapinto, and Flavio Briatore is not shying away from the controversy. In a recent interview with Sky, the Italian superconsultant of the French team hinted at the escalating rumors surrounding the rookie Australian driver’s seat being in jeopardy.
Briatore’s statements have added fuel to the fire, with suggestions that Doohan’s position is under scrutiny since Colapinto was brought on board as the third driver for Alpine. The chatter reached new heights this week after one of the Argentinian driver’s sponsors hinted at Imola Grand Prix as a possible comeback event for Colapinto.
Addressing the media frenzy, Briatore emphasized the inherent pressure of competing in Formula 1, stating, “If a driver feels pressure because there’s another driver vying for their spot, that should motivate them to perform well. We are evaluating the situation, and we will see how the upcoming races unfold before making any decisions.”
Furthermore, Briatore highlighted the significant responsibility that falls on the drivers’ shoulders, as the results they achieve impact the livelihoods of a thousand people working behind the scenes. He stressed the importance of mutual respect between the team and the drivers, underlining the need for professionalism and performance at the highest level.
“This year is a transitional period for us as we await the Mercedes engine in 2026. Our goal now is to secure points in Miami. Pressure is part of every job, even for those earning modest salaries. Everyone faces pressure,” Briatore concluded, making it clear that Doohan’s future in Formula 1 is far from guaranteed until the end of the season.
As the tension mounts within the Alpine team, the spotlight remains firmly on Doohan and Colapinto, with fans eagerly awaiting the outcome of this high-stakes driver dilemma. Stay tuned as the drama unfolds on and off the track in the world of motorsport.