Alpine’s reserve driver Franco Colapinto has been heralded by Flavio Briatore as a key figure for the Enstone-based outfit.
The French team’s executive advisor has heaped praise on the 21-year-old, describing him as one of the team’s “most important assets.”
Amid lingering rumors that Colapinto could find himself in a race seat before the end of the 2025 season, Briatore promised to provide the driver with the tools needed to succeed when the time comes.
Colapinto’s Talent Shines Bright
Colapinto impressed the F1 paddock last year by scoring points as a mid-season replacement for Logan Sargeant at Williams. But the young Argentine’s transition to Alpine has been marked by more than just his role as a reserve driver.
His star power has helped attract major sponsors like Mercado Libre, a testament to his growing influence in both the sporting and commercial realms.
But for Briatore, the focus remains on Colapinto’s ability behind the wheel and his effectiveness in working with the team’s engineers.
“He’s quick. He’s a very, very good driver,” the flamboyant Italian told Argentine broadcaster Eltrece.
“He needs some experience, but we believe in Franco. We were fighting to have Franco in the team. And for the future, Franco is one of the most important assets for us.”
©Alpine
Briatore praised his driver’s work ethic and professionalism, noting how the young charger has already made a positive impact within the team.
“In Formula 1, what is important is the timing,” added the Alpine chef.
“He’s a nice guy, and he respects the sponsors. He has a very good conversation with all the engineering. He’s working very hard in this moment with us. I’m very happy.”
Rumors of a Mid-Season Seat
While Colapinto is currently listed as a reserve driver behind Alpine’s full-time racers Jack Doohan and Pierre Gasly, speculation about a potential mid-season promotion just won’t go away.
Reports suggest that Doohan’s seat may not be entirely secure, with some claiming the Australian’s contract only guarantees him a limited number of races.
When asked about the possibility of Colapinto stepping into the A525 before the season concludes, Briatore remained non-committal but reiterated his belief in the young driver’s potential.
“The promise is we will try all the best to put Franco in the position to do the job,” he said. “This is what we need to be doing.
“We do all the effort with the engineers to make sure he has the right car to do the job. And after [that], we’ll see.”
Colapinto: Alpine Was the Best Option
For Colapinto, joining Alpine was a strategic decision aimed at securing his long-term future in Formula 1.
Speaking to Telenoche earlier this week during Alpine’s F1 75 launch event, the Argentine explained why he chose to leave Williams for his new role.
“In the end, Alpine was the best option, and the one that gave me more opportunities for a main driver seat in the future,” he said.
While he acknowledged that his current focus is on supporting the team as a reserve, he expressed confidence that his opportunity to race will come in due time.
He also spoke about the honor of being recognized by Briatore, whose storied history in Formula 1 includes the discoveries of talents like Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso.
“It’s an honor and a motive of pride,” Colapinto said. “He’s the one who found [Michael Schumacher] and [Fernando] Alonso. He’s got a lot of history in F1 and he’s going with his gut; he hasn’t missed so far.”
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