Ahead of the 2025 Formula 1 season, Alpine’s Executive Advisor, Flavio Briatore, has lauded Franco Colapinto as one of the racing team’s most valued assets. Colapinto, a young Argentine, has recently been welcomed into the Enstone-based team after the conclusion of the 2024 season.
Colapinto first entered the Formula 1 scene as a driver for Williams, where he secured a total of five points from nine races after stepping in to replace Logan Sargeant in the mid-season. Subsequently, Sargeant was replaced by Carlos Sainz, who was compelled to leave Ferrari, leaving Colapinto without a seat for the approaching 2025 season.
However, Alpine seized the opportunity to recruit the 21-year-old Argentine, in spite of having already confirmed their driver lineup for the upcoming season where Jack Doohan is expected to take over from Esteban Ocon. Even though Colapinto is slated to serve as the team’s reserve driver for 2025, speculation has been mounting that Doohan might be superseded by the Buenos Aires-born driver before the season concludes.
For Briatore, the priority lies in fostering the skills and potential of the young talent who was previously with their Constructors’ rivals. In a conversation with Argentine broadcaster Eltrece, Briatore described Colapinto as an exceptionally good and quick driver who required some experience. He emphasized the team’s belief in Colapinto and the effort put into securing his place in the team, highlighting that Colapinto is one of their most significant assets for the future.
Briatore, age 74, further commended Colapinto’s impact on the team thus far, noting his respectful approach towards sponsors and his effective communication with the engineering team. He also mentioned the young driver’s dedication in his current role, expressing his satisfaction with Colapinto’s performance.
When queried about the rumors of a potential mid-season driver change, Briatore carefully sidestepped the topic, instead pledging to equip Colapinto with everything needed for his success in the field. He promised to collaborate with the engineers to ensure Colapinto had the right car for the job, and suggested that future developments would be observed and dealt with as they occur.
For Colapinto, who formerly competed in Formula 2, the decision to join Alpine was guided by his ambition to secure a full-time seat in the sport. He revealed during Alpine’s F1 75 launch event that Alpine was the best choice for him, offering him the best chance for a primary driver seat in the future.
Colapinto also voiced his respect for Briatore, who has had a long and successful career in F1, having recruited renowned drivers like Fernando Alonso and Michael Schumacher. He expressed his pride and honor at being associated with Briatore, highlighting the latter’s impressive track record in F1.
As the 2025 season looms, it remains to be seen how Colapinto’s journey with Alpine will unfold. But one thing is certain, the young Argentine driver is a force to be reckoned with and stands as a testament to Alpine’s commitment to nurturing future talent in the sport of Formula 1.