F1 News
Briatore fuels rumours: 'Start with Gasly and Doohan, then we'll see'
- Savannah Lenz
Alpine CEO Luca de Meo's advisor, Flavio Briatore has hinted at the possibility of Franco Colapinto joining the team. He originally stated that Colapinto would not have any opportunities until 2026 but he now seems to be hinting at something happening earlier than that.
Briatore fuels Colapinto rumours
Alpine were among the teams rumoured to be looking at the Argentine drivers. However, they had already completed their line-up for the 2025 season with Pierre Gasly and rookie Jack Doohan. Before the season ended, Briatore mentioned that Colapinto was an option, but only for the 2026 season.
Speaking to Le Parisien, the former Alpine team principal noted that Colapinto might be given a second look before 2026. "The only certain thing is death. We start the year with Pierre and Jack, I guarantee it. After that, we'll see during the season."
Briatore knows that he has to do what is best for the team and their results. After placing P6 in the constructors' championship this year, the Italian knows there may come a time when the team has to take a risk to reap the rewards.
"I have to help the team reach a situation where it can achieve results. The driver is the one who has to finish the work of the almost one thousand people behind him. Everyone works for just two people. And if there is a driver who is not making progress, who is not bringing results, he will be changed," Briatore concluded.
This article was written in collaboration with Nicole Mulder.
Want more Formula 1? Then follow GPblog on our various social media channels!