Alpine government advisor Flavio Briatore has admitted he’s “not completely happy in any respect” with Franco Colapinto following a troublesome return to F1.
After the Miami Grand Prix, Jack Doohan was changed by Colapinto at Alpine.
Colapinto has been a part of the Alpine steady because the begin of the 12 months, having joined as take a look at and reserve driver.
The Argentine starred throughout his brief stint with Williams final 12 months after stepping in for Logan Sargeant.
Nevertheless, since returning to the game with Alpine, Colapinto has did not impress.
Briatore, who’s famend for his brutal driver selections through the years, conceded he’s not glad with Colapinto’s present stage of efficiency.
“If I have been to say now that I used to be completely happy, it will be a lie. I’m not completely happy in any respect. Now now we have to see how the season develops for him,” the Italian informed Sky Germany.
“After all, we additionally should recognise that Franco may be very younger and has lots of strain from all instructions, not solely from Argentina. Now he has step by step discovered his means into it.
“Franco is powerful sufficient. On this job, you want to have the ability to regain your confidence as shortly as potential. So I hope he will get it achieved shortly and will get on monitor.”
Colapinto’s Alpine F1 future
When Colapinto was introduced as Doohan’s substitute, Alpine outlined that he was on only a five-race deal.
Since then, Briatore has disputed this declare.
With Alpine behind the sphere in 2025 as they look ahead to Mercedes energy subsequent 12 months, Briatore admitted it’s a 12 months he can “experiment” with drivers.
Alpine have Paul Aron as a part of their junior academy, whereas Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas can be found for 2026.
“Races,” he stated. “I don’t know, actually. I by no means inform 5 races, three races, 4 races, one race. We see.
“If Colapinto is performing, he’s driving the automobile. If not, we’ll see. 2025 is a 12 months we have to put together ourselves for 2026. So no matter experiment I want doing, we’re doing.
“I don’t know at this second if Franco will keep for the season or not, however let’s see. Depends upon the efficiency. We’re solely trying on the efficiency – nothing else.”
