In a shocking development in the Formula 1 racing village, Flavio Briatore, the executive advisor of the Alpine team, has just announced a decision that has shocked the paddock: Franco Colapinto, the young talent from Argentina, will become the team’s main driver next season. This announcement not only marked a major turning point in Colapinto’s career but also sparked a wave of debate about the future strategy of Alpine, the racing team that once dominated under Benetton and Renault.
The 21-year-old Colapinto made a splash in the 2024 season when he replaced Logan Sargeant at Williams, scoring points at races such as Baku and the United States. With just nine races last season, he demonstrated superior talent, attracting the attention of many top racing teams, including Red Bull. However, it was Briatore himself, with his vision and strategic expertise, who quickly moved to bring Colapinto to Alpine via a long-term contract estimated to be worth $20 million. This decision is considered a bold move, especially as Alpine is in the restructuring phase to return to the top position.
Colapinto’s promotion means that Australian driver Jack Doohan will almost certainly miss the marquee race. Doohan, despite being expected to make his debut in Abu Dhabi in 2024, failed to live up to the pressure in the early stages of the 2025 season. Unstable performances, including the crash in Japan, made Briatore impatient. “In F1, you only have a few races to prove your worth,” Briatore once said, referring to Doohan having only a limited time to convince the team. Now, with Colapinto selected, it’s clear that the Alpine team has bet on the Argentine racer’s long-term potential.
Briatore, who managed Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso to the world championship, didn’t hesitate to compare Colapinto to these legends. He emphasized that, in addition to his on-track talent, Colapinto also brings great commercial value, especially in the Argentinian market, where he is considered a national symbol. Renault CEO Luca de Meo also expressed excitement: “Franco is the future of F1, and we will leverage his fame to enhance the Alpine brand.”
This decision also sparked rumors of internal strife at Alpine, especially after Captain Oliver Oakes abruptly resigned. Many sources believe Oakes’ support for Doohan conflicts with Briatore, who is determined to give Colapinto a more prominent role. With Briatore now holding sole authority, Alpine appears to be entering a new era, one where an ambitious and bold position is at the top.
Colapinto will face immense pressure when the 2025 season kicks off in Australia. However, with Briatore’s support and a team determined to reform, he has a golden opportunity to prove he deserves to be F1’s next star. Argentine fans are boiling over, and the world is waiting to see if Colapinto can recreate the miracles of his seniors.
