The young Argentinian Formula 1 driver, Franco Colapinto, does not have a set limit of races with Alpine this season, despite initial rumors of five, according to boss Flavio Briatore.
Colapinto, who made nine appearances with Williams in 2024, replaces Australian Jack Doohan after six of 24 races and will make his debut with Alpine in Imola this weekend.
It’s not that a driver has three or five races. I expected more from Jack Doohan. Maybe he needs a break.
Flavio Briatore
Briatore told Sky Italia. “Franco will run as much as necessary. I read somewhere that he will have five races, but no, there is no limit set for his races.
It needs to be fast, not crash, and score points. I only ask for these three things… if you do them well, you’ll drive forever.
Alpine quoted Briatore in a press release last week saying: “We have made the decision to put Franco in the car alongside Pierre Gasly for the next five races.
The next five races will give us the opportunity to try something different and after this period we will evaluate our options.
Colapinto was 17th and 13th respectively in the two practice sessions on Friday.
I’m starting to be in a happier place with the car after my first day. There’s still a lot of work to do with the setup, but I’m starting to be more comfortable.
Franco Colapinto
I’m preparing myself and at the end of the day I was starting to be a little more competitive. The car looks quite strong, especially with Pierre, so I’m sure we’re in the mix.
Gasly was surprisingly third fastest in the second session, a boost for Alpine, which is ninth out of 10 teams in the standings.
Briatore has taken over the functions of Oliver Oakes, who suddenly resigned as director last week after the Miami Grand Prix.
The Italian said that Oakes, who is in Imola in the F2 paddock with his Hitech operation, had taken the team by surprise with his resignation for personal reasons.
Nothing changes. The organizational chart has changed a bit, but everything else remains the same.
Flavio Briatore
Briatore said about his role. “For now, I’m taking care of it, but I’m used to it, it’s not my first day at school.”
