Flavio Briatore Speaks Out as Franco Colapinto’s Struggles Continue

Franco Colapinto’s first full season in Formula 1 has not unfolded as many had hoped. After a promising debut with Williams in 2024, the Argentine has endured a difficult rookie campaign at Alpine, raising serious questions about his future in the sport.



The 22-year-old is the only driver on the 2025 grid without a single championship point. His lack of results has left him rooted to the bottom of the drivers’ standings, and Alpine is reportedly already evaluating alternative options for next season despite his multi-year contract.



A Tough Start at Alpine



Franco Colapinto joined Alpine after the 2025 Miami Grand Prix, replacing Jack Doohan. The move was seen as a bold statement by Alpine, betting on youthful talent to revitalize their team. However, the gamble has yet to pay off.



While teammate Pierre Gasly has managed to secure 13 points this season—including three points finishes—Colapinto’s highest result remains an 11th-place finish at the Dutch Grand Prix. It was a performance that showed glimpses of progress, but ultimately fell short of the points-paying positions.



Statistically, the gap between the two drivers is stark. Gasly has outqualified Colapinto six times and claimed five top-10 race finishes, while Colapinto has yet to score and trails in nearly every key metric.



Briatore Voices Concerns



Team principal Flavio Briatore has acknowledged that expectations may have been set too high for the rookie. Speaking candidly, he admitted, “It’s incredibly difficult for these rookies to demonstrate consistency in their first year. Franco has had some difficulties, and perhaps we even overestimated his level, but he’s been doing well lately.”



Briatore stressed that Alpine has not made a final decision on its 2026 lineup but emphasized the need for results. “We still have time to decide what to do for next year. We intend to continue with Pierre Gasly and want the best driver pairing. But it’s very difficult for these guys at the beginning.”



His comments highlight the pressure Colapinto faces, not only to prove his ability but also to secure his place in the team for the future.



Media Pressure and Rookie Challenges



Part of Colapinto’s challenge lies in the immense spotlight that comes with representing his country. He enjoys strong support in Argentina, just as fellow rookie Kimi Antonelli does in Italy, but Briatore warned of the risks that come with promoting drivers too early.



“They arrive in F1 very young, maybe even a year or two too early, and there’s a risk of burning out,” Briatore explained. “It’s great to have these rookies on the track; they’re a hit in the media, but you have to be patient with them.”



This sentiment reflects a broader trend in Formula 1, where young drivers are being pushed into the sport earlier than ever. While some adapt quickly, others struggle to balance the demands of competition, media, and development.



A Glimmer of Hope



Despite the difficulties, Colapinto’s near-points finish at Zandvoort offered a sign of potential. Beating several established names in certain phases of the race showed that he has the speed to compete, even if consistency remains an issue.



For Alpine, the decision now rests on whether to allow Colapinto more time to develop or to replace him with a more proven performer. With the 2026 car already in development, the team must weigh long-term growth against short-term performance.



For Colapinto, the path forward is simple but demanding: he must start scoring points and convincing Alpine that he deserves to remain on the grid. Otherwise, his rookie season may end up being his only full year in Formula 1.
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