Colapinto: “An honour” to have the trust of Briatore following Alpine F1 move

“So far, he hasn’t been wrong” — Franco Colapinto on what approval of Flavio Briatore means for his future at Alpine F1
Photo Credit: BWT Alpine F1 Team
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Franco Colapinto believes that a strong endorsement from Flavio Briatore, who currently serves as an executive advisor to Alpine, bodes well for his future in F1. 

After turning the heads of many with his dynamic debut for Williams last year, the Argentine driver joined Alpine last month as one of their test and reserve drivers for the upcoming F1 season. 

Although the 21-year-old lost his seat to former Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz, a full-time return to F1 as early as the latter half of 2025 appears to be on the cards. With Briatore’s enthusiastic pursuit of Colapinto and Alpine offering him a long-term deal on the one hand and Jack Doohan facing a six-race audition to avoid getting dropped by the French team on the other, the likelihood of him replacing the young Aussie is rather high. 

What catching Flavio Briatore’s eye means to Colapinto

As the architect of the ‘Crashgate’ race-fixing scandal at the 2008 Singapore GP, infamy follows Briatore to this day. Nonetheless, he boasts an illustrious legacy in the history of the sport. 

The Italian played a pivotal role in turning the Enstone-based team into world champions as their long-time team principal. After winning two world titles at Benetton with Michael Schumacher in 1994 and 1995, he repeated the feat at Renault with Fernando Alonso in 2005 and 2006.

Speaking to the media at the F1 75 season launch event in London last night, Colapinto was effusive about the interest Briatore has shown in him and how it is a huge source of pride. Commending his past contributions to F1 and the careers of Schumacher and Alonso, he suggested that the 74-year-old advocating for him attests to his future potential in the sport.

“For me, it’s a huge honour and a great source of pride. 

“I’ve said it several times already—having him keep an eye on me, wanting to sign me, and calling me to finalise the deal we had with Williams, was an honour.

“He was the one who discovered Schumi [Michael Schumacher] and also the one who shaped Fernando [Alonso]. 

“So [Briatore] is someone with a lot of history in F1, and he bets on what he truly believes in, on where he thinks things should go. And so far, he hasn’t been wrong.” 

Briatore reaffirming his faith in Colapinto 

Photo Credit: BWT Alpine F1 Team

With multiple young and talented drivers vying to secure a seat, Colapinto’s optimism regarding the trajectory of his career in F1 might appear to be misplaced. However, in a conversation with Telenoche, Briatore once again spoke highly of the Argentine’s talent and how he pushed for his signing with the French outfit.

Citing his appeal to sponsors and his fruitful dialogues with the engineers, the Italian businessman recognised Colapinto as one of the most important assets of the Alpine F1 team for the future. Furthermore, he proclaimed that they are intent on giving him the right tools and the car to help him excel at his job and strengthen his chances of securing his future at the team.

“He’s [Colapinto] quick. He’s a very, very good driver,” commented Briatore.  

“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.  

“In Formula 1, what is important is the timing. 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.

“But the promise is we will try all the best to put Franco in the position to do the job. 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.”