Flavio Briatore has addressed ongoing speculation regarding Franco Colapinto’s position at Alpine, humorously denying any plans for a driver swap. Despite a challenging 2025 season that saw Colapinto promoted mid-year over Jack Doohan—who has since departed Alpine to pursue a career in Japan’s Super Formula series—Briatore indicates the team will maintain its current lineup.
Colapinto’s Performance and Areas for Improvement
With reserve driver Paul Aron positioned as a potential replacement, rumors of change surfaced, but Briatore clarified that these are unfounded. Speaking to RTVE, he highlighted qualifying as Colapinto’s primary difficulty, while noting his race pace matches that of teammate Pierre Gasly.
“I think I’ve forgotten the driver change button,”
Briatore joked.
“I’ve lost it, it’s disappeared.”
“Franco’s problem is qualifying. In the race, he’s competitive,”
Briatore explained.
“We see that he’s on par with Pierre Gasly there, he has the same speed.”
Development and Maturity Progress Since Entering F1
Briatore emphasized Colapinto’s rapid growth since joining Formula 1, observing significant improvements in both attitude and focus. The Alpine advisor remarked on Colapinto’s transformation from a novice newcomer into a disciplined driver deeply engaged in technical aspects like telemetry and wind tunnel work.
“We’re working hard with him and he’s changing a lot, he’s maturing quickly. You can already see it in his face – he’s more mature.”
“Last year he was a kid who’d just arrived from the Pampas. Now he’s much more aggressive, much stronger,”
Briatore added.
“He’s more interested in telemetry and the engineers’ data, he spends a lot of time in the wind tunnel and he’s very disciplined.”
“He just needs to focus on qualifying. Sometimes he gets too excited. He needs to relax and make sure he does well.”
Team’s Confidence in Colapinto’s Potential
Despite the early challenges and pressure they face, Alpine remains committed to fostering Colapinto’s talent. Briatore acknowledged the difficulties young drivers encounter adapting to Formula 1 but affirmed confidence in Colapinto’s ability to compete at the highest level.
“These kids come to Formula 1 with a lot of pressure,”
he noted.
“He suffered a bit more, but he’s at the same level as everyone else now. We can work with him – that’s why we put him in the car.”
Briatore’s Views on Fernando Alonso and Future Prospects
Briatore also commented on the ongoing career of Fernando Alonso, who turns 45 this year and remains a key figure as he embarks on a pivotal season with Aston Martin. The advisor praised Alonso’s competitiveness and potential longevity in the sport.
“Fernando is incredible and very competitive,”
Briatore said.
“He can easily continue for another year or two.”
Addressing comparisons between Alonso and Colapinto, Briatore pointed out the exceptional talents Alonso displayed early in his career, comparing him to legends like Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, and Max Verstappen.
“Young Fernando was a phenomenon. We’re talking about someone like Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, or today Max Verstappen. It’s too soon to think that young Franco … besides, the old Alonso is good enough.”
When asked about his preferred contender should Alpine not achieve victory in 2026, Briatore was clear.
“One hundred percent, I want Fernando to win.”
Implications for Alpine and Colapinto’s Career
Alpine’s affirmation of Franco Colapinto’s place underlines the team’s belief in his development, particularly in an environment filled with pressure and competition. While qualifying remains an area for improvement, the team’s support suggests a focus on long-term growth rather than quick replacement. As Colapinto continues to mature and adapt, his trajectory will be closely watched amid a dynamic Formula 1 landscape where experienced drivers like Fernando Alonso remain formidable contenders.
