Flavio Briatore has revealed the transformative journey that secured Franco Colapinto’s place at Alpine for the 2026 Formula 1 season. Once “lost” and uncertain in his early races, Colapinto has evolved into a poised and mature competitor who now commands respect within the Enstone-based team. Briatore, known for his blunt honesty, admitted he initially questioned whether the Argentine was ready for F1 — but his recent performances proved otherwise, cementing his status as Pierre Gasly’s teammate for next year.
The Italian executive described Colapinto’s evolution as “complete,” highlighting his newfound discipline, technical understanding, and collaborative approach with engineers. Despite Alpine’s faltering car performance, Briatore emphasized that the young driver has consistently outperformed expectations — running closely with Gasly in both qualifying and race pace. His growth, Briatore said, came not from comfort but from constructive criticism that forced him to rise to the challenge.
Alpine’s decision to retain Colapinto was also shaped by limited options across the 2026 driver market. With most seats already secured, the team evaluated its in-house talent — including reserve driver Paul Aron — before concluding that Colapinto offered the best blend of experience, financial backing, and on-track progress. The continuity of pairing him with Gasly adds much-needed stability to a team that has endured leadership upheavals, performance slumps, and internal restructuring.
Briatore’s long-term ambition is to restore Alpine’s competitiveness under a fresh era powered by Mercedes engines beginning in 2026. He stressed the importance of consistency and recruitment, noting that several high-profile engineers are joining after serving their gardening leaves. His stated goal is modest but realistic — to push Alpine into sixth place in the Constructors’ Championship as new technical regulations reshape the grid.
Confident yet pragmatic, Briatore concluded that Alpine’s renewed stability, strengthened driver lineup, and strategic partnerships will mark the beginning of a rebuild. For Colapinto, this promotion represents more than just a contract extension — it’s a redemption arc. From a hesitant rookie to a reliable team figure, his evolution under pressure now positions him as a vital piece of Alpine’s ambitious 2026 resurgence.
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