Rumors are swirling around a possible split between Argentine driver Franco Colapinto and Alpine’s Italian team principal Flavio Briatore. Is Colapinto really on his way out of Alpine—or is this just a provocation?
It’s no secret that Alpine is going through a rough patch. The 2025 season is shaping up to be another extremely difficult campaign for the Enstone-based team, which is currently in its final year using Renault power units before switching to Mercedes engines in 2026. But what’s troubling Alpine isn’t just what’s happening on track—off-track drama is also taking center stage.
Earlier this season, Alpine was rocked by the sudden resignation of team principal Oliver Oakes, pictured alongside Briatore at the start of the year. One of Oakes’ final moves was pushing for Jack Doohan to partner Pierre Gasly. However, that partnership dissolved almost immediately, and following Oakes’ departure, Briatore—already CEO—stepped in as team principal and quickly gave Franco Colapinto the opportunity to race the A525.
Performance Doubts and the Coca-Cola Quip
Colapinto’s results so far have been underwhelming. In the two races he has contested—Imola and Monaco, both highly challenging tracks—he’s been comfortably outperformed by Pierre Gasly, who remains Alpine’s clear team leader. While it’s too early to make definitive judgments, disappointment within the team has been quietly surfacing.
Speaking to Sky Sport F1’s Mara Sangiorgio, Briatore directly addressed the rumors:
“It’s very hard to judge his level right now. Let’s see how he performs with a competitive car, then we’ll assess where the driver stands. I think it’s the same for everyone, you know. But the most important thing is that the car and the driver’s performance must go hand in hand. He needs time to settle in “.
Briatore denied any imminent changes—unlike what happened with Doohan earlier in the season—and also spoke about Alpine’s broader project for 2025 and 2026:
“Two or three years ago, McLaren was at the back of the grid. Renault, too. Same with Benetton… and then we won the championship in 1994 and 1995. A few years ago, Red Bull dominated everything—now it’s McLaren in control”.
“We’re working hard, everyone is. All ten teams want to be the best. But if in 2027 we’re not competitive, I’d rather be on a beach drinking Coca-Cola than coming here and sweating in the heat of Barcelona “. Despite the current struggles, Briatore’s signature humor and optimism shine through. The message is clear: patience and persistence remain Alpine’s strategy for now.
Photos: BWT Alpine Formula One Team