P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Alpine team boss Flavio Briatore has set his expectations for Franco Colapinto as he embarks on his first full F1 season in 2026.
Alpine team boss Flavio Briatore has set high expectations for Franco Colapinto as he begins his first full Formula 1 season in 2026. Colapinto faced challenges in 2025, with zero points finishes and being outperformed by teammate Pierre Gasly.
Despite criticism, Alpine decided to support Colapinto for the upcoming season. Briatore emphasized Colapinto’s maturity and the need for improved performances this year.
Colapinto struggled in qualifying last season, often starting at the back of the grid, but worked on this aspect during the winter break. The focus is now on delivering strong performances across the 2026 season, starting with qualifying results.
Both Briatore and Colapinto are focused on achieving the results expected of them, with Colapinto expressing confidence in the team’s hard work and potential success.
