There is no doubt that Jack Doohan’s replacement, Franco Colapinto, had his future with Alpine F1 wrapped in heightened expectations from executive advisor and de-facto leader Flavio Briatore; while the first few races felt like an opportunity to adjust to the car, the lack of positive performances during his tenure in the first half of the season has left Briatore questioning the Argentine’s position in Formula 1.
During Friday’s Team Principal Press Conference in the Netherlands ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix, Briatore’s response surrounding Colapinto’s tenure has once again raised questions regarding the young driver’s future with the team.
Maturity and timing play a key role
“I think I see everything already. I don’t need to see anything anymore,” Briatore remarked when asked about his expectations for Colapinto to retain his seat.
He continued, “These cars are very, very heavy, very quick. For a young driver, maybe it was not the time to have Franco in Formula 1. Maybe he needs another year or two to be part of Formula 1.”
Briatore emphasized maturity when entering Formula 1; yes, it takes a while to adapt to the fast-paced nature, but timing is everything. While he acknowledged the driver’s unwavering effort and collaboration with engineers, his results, or lack thereof, have not aligned with the expectations set for him.
So far, he sits at zero points, his performance includes a DNS at the British Grand Prix (outside of his control) and finishes all below the top 10; his highest being 13th place in Monaco and Canada.
“He tries very hard. He tries very hard with the engineers to please them in everything, but it’s not what I expect from Colapinto.”
The future remains unknown
Regarding Colapino’s future or the potential of another driver like Mick Schumacher replacing him, Briatore expressed his uncertainty while reflecting on the immense pressure that may have hindered the Argentine’s ability to fully adapt to Formula 1.
“We changed, bringing in Franco Colapinto. And maybe Colapinto – the same problem as what Toto said – too much pressure to be in Formula 1,” he explained.
The effects of pressure
Briatore highlighted how Colapinto had performed well in previous opportunities at Williams but may have been overwhelmed when paired with an experienced teammate like Pierre Gasly.
“Maybe we put too much pressure on him. I think we need to consider that. These are young kids – 19, 20, 22, 23 years old – and I think it’s our mistake to underestimate the human part of the driver.”
Briatore concluded:
“Maybe I missed something in the management of the driver, Colapinto. For the future, honestly, I don’t know.” Admitting that he may have mismanaged aspects of Colapinto’s integration,
Colapinto’s fate
With no confirmation on whether Colapinto will retain the seat in 2026, Briatore has left the door open. His statements suggest the team is reflecting inwardly as much as it is evaluating its young driver, and that any future decisions will be shaped by the last 10 races of the season.
