May 30 (GMM) Flavio Briatore is not yet ready to rave about the performance so far of his latest Formula 1 protege – Franco Colapinto.
When Alpine ousted Jack Doohan recently and installed fellow rookie Colapinto in the car, team advisor Briatore was quoted in the press release as saying the young Argentine was only guaranteed five races.
However, he quickly told journalists in the paddock that there is no five-race limit for Colapinto.
“For me, it’s a huge compliment to know that Flavio was the one who believed in me,” Colapinto, 21, told Spanish-language reporters in Barcelona. “Just like he believed in Fernando (Alonso).
“He (Briatore) is a legend. There’s this feeling that he’s pushing the team back to the top, where it deserves to be.”
However, Imola was a particularly bad Alpine debut for Colapinto, characterised by a huge crash – a strict contradiction of Briatore’s pre-race goal for the youngster.
Monaco was not much better, but he says he’s just getting up to speed.
“It’s going to take a couple of races,” Colapinto said in Barcelona. “After listening to Carlos (Sainz) and Lewis (Hamilton), who changed teams, they still don’t feel like they’re reaching the car’s top speed.
“So I think there’s a lot more to come from me soon.”
It’s notable, however, that 75-year-old Briatore is no longer raving about Colapinto. When asked if he already has the ideal driver pairing at Alpine, the Italian shook his head.
“The easiest way to win is to sign Max Verstappen, but we can’t do that,” said the Italian. “So we have to make do with what we have.”
Briatore called Pierre Gasly “very good, but he needs to be a bit more focused”.
“But in a good car he can be a top driver. You either have speed or you don’t. And Pierre has it,” Briatore told Le Monde newspaper.
As for Colapinto, Briatore’s rhetoric has cooled somewhat. “He is fast, but he still can’t handle the pressure well.
“If you are fast, but you go into the wall, then the speed is of no use to you,” he added.
The good news for Alpine is that Colapinto is heavily backed both by the state and the corporate world in his native Argentina. “It’s fantastic,” the driver admitted.
“In Argentina, they are very passionate and really wanted someone back in Formula 1 after so many years. I’m enjoying the moment and I hope the Argentinians are too,” said Colapinto.
It’s almost unanimously agreed in the paddock that Alpine will also head into the 2026 season with Gasly alongside Colapinto.
“In 2026, we can win races,” Briatore declared. “And, in 2027, we’re preparing for the world championship.”
Next year, for the radical new rules, Alpine will head into the season with customer Mercedes engines. “This is a transitional season for us,” said Briatore. “All of our efforts are already focused on next year’s car.
“We must take advantage of the new regulations. On the other side, we have no more excuses – we must be competitive. We owe it to Renault, Alpine and Luca de Meo.”
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix at the iconic Red Bull Ring; a fan favorite that rarely disappoints. Set in Austria’s stunning Styrian Hills, this scenic circuit is famous for its dramatic elevation changes and thrilling uphill turns. We’ve planned every detail so you can relax and enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours at the legendary Silverstone Circuit for the 2026 British Grand Prix; the birthplace of modern F1. This isn’t just race weekend; you’ll visit the British Motor Museum, explore the Silverstone Museum, and enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Oracle Red Bull Racing Factory. With over 40 years of experience hosting this trip, we’ve thought of every detail for the ultimate F1 fan experience.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 32nd Goodwood Festival of Speed in the South of England, a long summer weekend celebrating the greatest moments in motorsport. Held at the magnificent Goodwood House, this world-renowned event showcases an unparalleled collection of historic and modern racing cars from the past 125 years. We’ve taken care of every detail so you can enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES
Grand Prix Tours delivers the ultimate 2026 Belgian Grand Prix experience on July 19 at the legendary Spa-Francorchamps. Famed for its stunning setting, rich racing history, and iconic corners like Eau Rouge, Spa offers one of Formula 1’s most thrilling weekends, complete with unpredictable weather and nonstop action. With only a one-year contract in place, this could be your last chance to witness F1 at this historic circuit.
SHOW PACKAGES
Experience Northern Italy like a true motorsport insider on our Italian Extravaganza, the perfect lead-in to the Italian Grand Prix. Journey through the heart of Italy’s legendary supercar region with exclusive access and behind-the-scenes insights into iconic brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Pagani, and more. Along the way, enjoy a unique visit to a family-run balsamic vinegar producer for an authentic tasting experience. For car enthusiasts, this is the ultimate way to elevate your Italian Grand Prix weekend.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours in Northern Italy for the unforgettable 2026 Italian Grand Prix at Monza. With over 95 years of racing history, passionate Ferrari fans, and electrifying post-race celebrations, Monza delivers one of the most thrilling weekends in motorsport. Enjoy a seamless experience with accommodations in stunning Como, airport and track transfers, and an exclusive pre-race dinner with a racing celebrity, backed by our 40+ years of expertise at this iconic event.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours in Austin, Texas for the high-energy 2026 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Experience nonstop action on one of Formula 1’s most exciting tracks, featuring dramatic elevation changes, thrilling overtakes, and a packed race weekend. Off the track, enjoy a festival atmosphere with live music, world-famous BBQ, and buzzing nightlife. Your Grand Prix Tours package includes a fully curated race weekend, highlighted by exclusive access to our private F1 Celebrity Talk Show, where guests gain insider insights and behind-the-scenes perspectives. With demand soaring and this event quickly becoming a modern American racing tradition, now is the time to secure your spot for an unforgettable Austin Grand Prix experience.
SHOW PACKAGES