Franco Colapinto and Flavio Briatore: discipline, growth, and challenges within Alpine. Franco Colapinto discusses his relationship with Flavio Briatore.

Franco Colapinto has shared insights into his relationship with Flavio Briatore, describing him as strict but instrumental in his mental growth during a challenging season. With no points scored so far, the young Argentine driver remains focused on the present, fully aware of the technical difficulties of the car and determined to be ready when the right opportunity arises.

Franco Colapinto’s season

Colapinto was brought into Alpine to replace Jack Doohan, who had been underperforming, during the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix in May, after joining from Williams over the winter. Despite this opportunity, Colapinto has not yet managed to score a single point, with his best finish being 11th place at the Dutch Grand Prix. He currently sits at the bottom of the drivers’ standings, while his teammate Pierre Gasly is 16th, having secured all 20 of Alpine’s points this season.

The relationship between Briatore and Colapinto

Colapinto spoke about the strict approach of Alpine boss Flavio Briatore in an interview on F1’s “Beyond the Grid” podcast, recorded ahead of last weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

“I have a great relationship with Flavio. He is strict with everyone, and the way he runs the team and motivates people can sometimes be a bit harsh and might seem excessive if you don’t know him well. But he is someone I truly believe in, and I think he will lead this team forward. He will help the team return to the top, so this year I have learned a lot from him. He has made me much stronger mentally. I am very grateful for the opportunity he has given me, but also for the entire process we are going through.”

Despite Franco Colapinto’s positive comments, Flavio Briatore openly criticized the Argentine driver and stated that he was not “satisfied” with his performance ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix at the end of August. Briatore has since narrowed the options for Alpine’s second F1 seat in 2026 to a direct competition between Colapinto and reserve driver Paul Aron. Franco Colapinto, however, remains determined not to be distracted by thoughts of the future while fighting to secure his place on the Formula 1 starting grid.