Alpine Boss Flavio Briatore Keeps Fans on Edge with Uncertain Future for Franco Colapinto
Argentine driver Franco Colapinto is feeling the heat as Alpine team principal Flavio Briatore keeps the racing world guessing about his future with the team. After stepping in for Jack Doohan for F1’s recent triple-header, Colapinto has failed to live up to expectations set during his stint with Williams in the latter part of 2024.
The 22-year-old’s rough start with Alpine saw him crash during his first qualifying session in Imola, followed by disappointing 20th and 19th place qualifications in Monaco and Spain, with a technical issue hampering his performance in Barcelona. Briatore’s comments have only added to the uncertainty surrounding Colapinto’s position within the team.
While initially, Alpine announced Colapinto would race in the next five events, including the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix and the Austrian Grand Prix in June, Briatore’s recent statements have cast doubt on the young driver’s future. The executive advisor emphasized that Colapinto’s performance would be the ultimate factor in determining his continued presence on the team.
Briatore’s enigmatic remarks at the Spanish Grand Prix hinted at the high stakes for Colapinto: “I never tell [say] five races, three races, four races, one race. If Colapinto is performing, he’s driving the car. If not, we will see.” With an eye towards the 2026 season, Briatore emphasized the need for preparation in 2025, suggesting that Colapinto’s performance would be the deciding factor in his season-long stay with Alpine.
Adding to the tension, Alpine retains the option to reinstate Jack Doohan as Pierre Gasly’s teammate starting from the British Grand Prix in July or promote reserve driver Paul Aron. As the racing world holds its breath, all eyes are on Franco Colapinto as he navigates the challenging road ahead in the world of Formula 1.
