Franco Colapinto, the 20-year-old Formula 1 rookie who turned heads with nine stellar performances for Williams in 2024, has officially joined Alpine in a move dripping with ambition and nostalgia. This audacious signing, masterminded by none other than Flavio Briatore, signals Alpine’s bold intent to revive its championship-winning glory. Could this be the dawn of a new golden era for the French outfit?
A rookie with big shoes to fill
Colapinto’s arrival at Alpine has been met with optimism and intrigue. The young Argentine posed proudly beside the legendary Renault R25—the car that delivered Fernando Alonso’s maiden F1 World Championship in 2005. For a rookie, standing alongside such an icon is more than symbolic—it’s a statement of expectations.
Flavio Briatore, the maverick behind Renault’s dominance two decades ago, remains a shadowy yet influential figure in Alpine’s F1 strategy. Known for his uncanny ability to spot raw talent, Briatore is reportedly betting big on Colapinto as Alpine’s next breakout star. Comparisons to Michael Schumacher and Alonso—both protégés of Briatore—are already swirling.
Joan Villadelprat, who worked alongside Briatore during his Benetton and Renault days, put it bluntly on the DuralaVita podcast:
“He knows what he wants. He looks at young talent and wants it at any price, like he did with Schumacher. Colapinto is his new Alonso, his new Schumacher.”
Jack Doohan’s moment—or pressure point?
While Colapinto’s recruitment sparks excitement, Alpine’s immediate focus remains on 2025 with rookie Jack Doohan partnering veteran Pierre Gasly. Doohan has shown promise but faces mounting scepticism from critics questioning his readiness for F1’s intense spotlight.
Team principal Oliver Oakes, however, is urging patience:
“There are harsh things written about him, but Doohan will get his chance. Colapinto doesn’t intend to put pressure on Doohan. It’s about giving the team more options for the future. We have to ensure we have the best players—not just now, but also in the years to come.”
This dual-rookie approach is risky, but Briatore’s fingerprints suggest a long-term strategy. Alpine isn’t just hunting for points—they’re hunting for a new leader to carry them into the next era.
Briatore’s blueprint: A proven formula
Briatore’s influence in this move is unmistakable. Known for his calculated risks and eye for generational talent, the Italian businessman famously plucked Michael Schumacher from obscurity after his sensational debut at the 1991 Belgian Grand Prix. That decision yielded two championships for Benetton in 1994 and 1995. Similarly, Briatore’s gamble on a young Alonso turned Renault into a powerhouse, securing back-to-back world titles in 2005 and 2006.
Now, Briatore’s sights are set on Colapinto. The rookie’s consistency and flair at Williams caught the Italian’s attention, and his transition to Alpine is seen as a pivotal piece in the team’s strategy to rediscover its championship-winning ways.
The bigger picture: Aiming for the throne
Alpine’s aggressive recruitment of young talent sends a clear message to rivals Mercedes, Red Bull, and Ferrari: they’re not content with being midfield contenders. The team is building for the future, and Colapinto’s signing is a testament to that ambition.
Whether Colapinto can emulate the success of Schumacher or Alonso remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Briatore and Alpine are betting big on a return to greatness. As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on this Argentine rookie and the team’s ability to channel its illustrious past into a brighter future.