P1racenews AI automatic summary:
“If I were to say now that I was happy, it would be a lie. I’m not happy at all. Now we have to see how the season develops for him.”
Alpine executive advisor Flavio Briatore expressed dissatisfaction with Franco Colapinto’s performance since his return to F1 after replacing Jack Doohan at the Miami Grand Prix. Colapinto, who joined Alpine earlier this year as a test and reserve driver, had a successful stint with Williams in 2024 but has struggled to impress this season. Briatore acknowledged Colapinto’s youth and pressure but emphasized the need for rapid confidence recovery. Colapinto’s future with Alpine remains uncertain, as originally planned for a five-race deal, but Briatore hinted at the possibility of changes based on performance. The 2025 season is seen as an experimental period for Alpine as they prepare for 2026, with a focus on performance as the determining factor for driver decisions.