Flavio Briatore dismisses Alpine’s 5-race plan for Franco Colapinto, adding confusion to the team’s already unstable leadership structure.
Just days after Alpine issued a statement saying Franco Colapinto would have five races to prove his worth before a mid-season review at Silverstone, Flavio Briatore has already contradicted that message.
Speaking to both Canal+ and Sky Sports, Briatore, who recently took full control of the team following Oliver Oakes’ resignation, suggested that the number of races is far from fixed.
“He might get four races, or 28, or 32,” Briatore said with a shrug. “I just want him to be quick, stay out of trouble, and score points. That’s it, just three things. If he can deliver, he’ll stay in the car as long as needed.”
Briatore also took a swipe at fellow Alpine junior Jack Doohan, saying, “I expected more from Jack. Maybe he needs a break.”
As for Oakes’ sudden exit, Briatore insisted it was entirely personal and unexpected.
“He resigned after Miami due to a personal issue. I wasn’t expecting it at all. We’ve always had a great relationship, despite what some rumors suggest.”
The situation at Alpine remains complex. Briatore doesn’t currently hold an F1 team principal license, so the FIA officially lists Dave Greenwood as the team’s representative.
But Briatore brushed off any concerns.
“Nothing’s really changed,” he said. “The org chart has shifted a bit, but the team is stable. As for who leads trackside, I’m handling it for now. This isn’t my first time, I know the job.”
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