Alpine's Briatore Questions Colapinto F1 Readiness Amid 2025 Struggles

Alpine interim team boss Flavio Briatore has expressed serious doubts about Franco Colapinto's future in Formula 1 after a disappointing 2025 season marked by zero points and several mistakes. Despite being fast-tracked into Alpine's second seat mid-season, Colapinto has struggled to cope with the heavy and quick car, leading Briatore to question whether it was the right time for him to enter F1, suggesting he may need another year or two of development. Briatore also acknowledged that placing Colapinto alongside a consistent teammate like Pierre Gasly may have exerted excessive pressure on the young Argentine driver, highlighting the importance of considering the human and psychological aspects in driver management. While Alpine initially invested significantly to secure Colapinto’s services and he brought financial backing, Briatore's recent comments hint that the team might look elsewhere for 2026, with no guarantees given about Colapinto's place. Pierre Gasly's position within the team, by contrast, remains secure as Alpine seeks stability amid a challenging season. Briatore reaffirmed Renault's commitment to Formula 1 under new leadership, signaling ongoing ambition despite current setbacks.