Alpine crew chief Flavio Briatore has contradicted his personal squad’s announcement that Franco Colapinto had been promoted to a race seat for the following 5 Components 1 rounds from this weekend’s Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix.
Alpine introduced on 7 Could that it was changing Jack Doohan, who had failed to attain a single level over the primary six grands prix of the 2025 season, with reserve driver Colapinto for the following 5 races, switching their roles round.
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The press launch was very clear on this timeline, mentioning “the following 5 races” and “the following 5 rounds”, whereas Briatore was quoted as saying: “Having reviewed the opening races of the season, we’ve come to the choice to place Franco within the automotive alongside Pierre for the following 5 races. […] The subsequent 5 races will give us a possibility to attempt one thing completely different and after this time interval we’ll assess our choices.”
Now totally in command of the Alpine F1 crew after crew principal Oliver Oakes resigned, Briatore has contradicted the assertion launched simply 9 days in the past.
“I’ve to say, I additionally anticipated extra from Jack Doohan – possibly he wants a break,” Briatore advised Sky Italy in Imola.
“Franco will race as a lot as wanted. I learn someplace that he’ll have 5 races, however no, there’s no set restrict on his races. He must be quick, not crash, and rating factors. I’m solely asking him these three issues — not 10. If he does them properly, he’ll drive eternally.”
Flavio Briatore, Govt Advisor of Alpine F1, Oliver Oakes, Alpine, with Patrick Mahomes
Picture by: Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Photos
Briatore was additionally requested about Oakes’ departure and defined: “His resignation got here after Miami attributable to a private subject, and when it occurred, I didn’t anticipate it both.
“It is a united crew. There have been rumours that I had argued with Oliver, however that’s not true — we’ve an awesome relationship.”
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Although he’s totally in command of the Enstone-based squad, Briatore doesn’t maintain any particular place or job title, with racing director Dave Greenwood assigned as crew consultant for administrative functions.
“Nothing adjustments — the organisational chart has shifted a bit, however every little thing else stays the identical.
“With regards to the crew principal position, I must assess the state of affairs… For now, I’m taking cost, however I’m used to that, it’s not my first day in school,” Briatore concluded on a light-hearted tone, having taken the outfit to world titles within the Nineteen Nineties and 2000s as Benetton and Renault.
Further reporting by Gianluca D’Alessandro
On this article
Ben Vinel
Components 1
Franco Colapinto
Alpine
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