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Will Briatore surprise with Colapinto? Speculation, but anything goes at Alpine
- Ludo van Denderen
Jack Doohan has no doubt been surprised by reports of his position within Alpine being threatened - even before he has driven one Grand Prix - again. According to (initially) Italian media, Flavio Briatore is interested in Franco Colapinto as a second driver alongside Pierre Gasly, despite a watertight contract for the Australian. But should Doohan really be worried?
Flavio Briatore has returned to the F1 paddock as an adviser to Luca de Meo, Renault Group CEO. When Briatore talks, De Meo listens. The champion maker of yesteryear must also have seen that Franco Colapinto has impressed as a Williams driver in recent months, but is without a seat in F1 for '25 (for now). And then Briatore is someone who is at least considering whether Colapinto is an interesting option for Alpine.
Red Bull eyeing Colapinto's arrival
James Vowles, Williams' team boss, indicated several times recently that there is the necessary interest in Colapinto from multiple teams. Plural, yes. It is now no secret that Red Bull has its eye on the Argentinian for Visa Cash App RB and possibly even as Max Verstappen's teammate at Red Bull Racing. And if Red Bull sees fit for Colapinto, Briatore no doubt recognises the 21-year-old's talent too.
Of course, there are a few bumps on the road. First, there is the huge fee Williams is asking for Colapinto, reportedly as much as $20 million. The unexpected double podium in Brazil could just mean sixth place in the constructors' championship, so with the many tens of millions more in prize money, Williams can probably be paid just fine.
Yet the biggest 'problem' is Jack Doohan, the driver who will finally get his chance at Alpine in 2025. Should Briatore spend big to bring in Colapinto, the son of motorsport legend Mick will be let down. Even if this is a driver who has been heavily invested in.
Briatore has complete freedom of Alpine
As absurd as it may sound to send a driver away before he has even started his job, nothing is out of the question at Alpine. Briatore has effectively been given freedom after his appointment to do what he thinks is best for the team. Stopping building its own engines is the most obvious example. Who would have ever thought that Alpine would no longer race with Renault engines?
If that is possible, then a farewell to Doohan - as crude as it is - can never be completely ruled out. At least, right now, the rumours are, above all, speculation about what might happen. But no one inside Alpine will deny that Colapinto has done a fine job at Williams in recent months. Yes, for the moment, the line-up of Gasly and Doohan is confirmed. With the emphasis on 'for the moment', because Briatore likes to create surprises.
This article has been created in collaboration with Matt Gretton