** Explosion in Alpine! Briatore is committed to Colapinto, which matched Gasly and closes the door to Doohan **
The 2025 Formula 1 season is being a whirlwind of emotions for the Alpine team, and Flavio Briatore, executive advisor of the French team, has not hesitated to make blunt decisions that shake the paddock. In recent weeks, the focus has focused on the young Argentine pilot Franco Colapinto, who has demonstrated impressive performance, matching the times of Pierre Gasly and putting Jack Doohan’s continuity as a holder.
Briatore, known for his direct style and smell to discover talents, has not spared praise towards Colapinto. After Emilia-Romaña’s Grand Prix, where the Argentine debuted as a starter after replacing Doohan, the Italian said: “Franco was doing times similar to those of Gasly, something we had never seen with our two cars so close.” These words, pronounced with their characteristic firm tone, resonated in the F1 atmosphere, especially after Colapinto ended 16th in Icola and 19th in the first free practice of Monaco, showing a quick adaptation to the demanding A525 car.
For his part, Jack Doohan, who had started the season as headline with Gasly, failed to meet expectations. In his initial five races, the Australian did not add points, with an accident in the first round of the Australian Grand Prix and an abandonment in Miami as low points of his campaign. Briatore had no qualms about expressing his discontent: “What we did was not a scandal. If you don’t do a good job, they replace you. Protecting my team is my priority.” These statements, reported by TyC Sports, reflect the relentless philosophy of “Uncle Flavio”, who seems to have lost patience with Doohan.
The rise of Colapint is no accident. His work in the Alpine simulator in Estone and his previous experience in Williams, where he surprised in 2024, made him BriTore’s favorite. The Italian, backed by the president of Renault, Luca de Meo, invested 20 million dollars to assure the Argentine for five years, a bet that now begins to pay fruits. “Franco must go fast, not to collide and add points,” said Brost, making it clear that there are no limits to the races that the Argentine will play as a holder.
Meanwhile, rumors about Doohan’s exit intensify. Media such as Canal+ of France speculate that Icola marked the end of the Australian stage, who failed to capitalize on his opportunities. The pressure of Argentine fans, who have fervently supported Colapinto, has also played a role in social networks, although not without controversies, such as Doohan’s criticism towards certain offensive comments.
With Alpine in the ninth place of the Constructors Championship, Briatore has its eyes on 2026, when the team will use Mercedes engines. However, for now, Colapinto is emerging as the great hope to revitalize the team, leaving Doohan in an increasingly vulnerable position. Is this the beginning of a new era for Alpine? Only the stopwatch will say it.
