Franco Colapinto under pressure: Flavio Briatore disappointed as Alpine tests possible replacement. Franco Colapinto could be at risk as Flavio Briatore is currently disappointed .

Franco Colapinto could be at risk as Flavio Briatore is currently disappointed by the Argentine’s performances: meanwhile, a driver takes to the track with Alpine in Monza

The future of Franco Colapinto at Flavio Briatore’s Alpine team is increasingly uncertain after another disappointing performance in Spain. Flavio Briatore, executive director of Alpine, has made it clear that he is disappointed with rookie Franco Colapinto.

The Argentine, called up to replace Jack Doohan for the seventh round of the 2025 Formula 1 season, has failed to meet the three simple conditions set by the Italian manager: “Be fast, don’t crash, score points.” He then added: “If he does that, he drives forever. If not, we’ll see. I’d be lying if I said I was happy. I’m not at all.”

Disappointing performances from Franco Colapinto: Paul Aron at Monza, is the replacement already ready?
In Barcelona, Briatore had described the Spanish GP as “Franco’s first real race,” but the on-track response was far from promising: eliminated in Q1 with the second-slowest time and finishing third from last, while teammate Pierre Gasly secured valuable points with eighth place.

“Franco is very young and under a lot of pressure, also from Argentina, but here only performance counts,” Flavio Briatore emphasized.

Meanwhile, Paul Aron, a young Estonian talent linked to the Alpine program, was on track today, June 4th, at Monza for a test with the French team. It’s a clear sign that Alpine is evaluating alternatives to Colapinto, especially with the crucial 2026 season approaching. Just before replacing Jack Doohan, Franco Colapinto himself had tested the Alpine at Monza.

Briatore hasn’t guaranteed that Franco Colapinto will finish the season: “I never say five races, three races, one. We’ll see. If he performs, he drives. If not, we’ll see.”

Nico Rosberg, speaking as a Sky F1 pundit, added a telling comment: “Colapinto is on the wrong side of Flavio, and that’s not where you want to be. Flavio doesn’t care about his second drivers. It’s a huge mental challenge.” The former world champion still expressed confidence in Colapinto’s resilience: “He’s strong. He needs to regain confidence quickly. I hope he makes it.”