Franco Colapinto, the young Argentine driver who burst onto the scene with Alpine, has set social media ablaze with a brief but powerful 10-word statement, responding to criticism from within his own team after a challenging start to the 2025 season. But that’s not all: Flavio Briatore, the influential executive advisor of the French team, has added fuel to the fire with a five-word ultimatum that has fans on the edge of their seats. What’s happening at Alpine, and what does the future hold for Colapinto? Here are all the details of this drama shaking up the paddock.
The 2025 Formula 1 season has been anything but smooth sailing for Franco Colapinto. The 22-year-old from Pilar, Argentina, joined Alpine with high expectations after his stint with Williams in 2024, where he scored points at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. However, his early races with the French team have been marked by modest results and technical issues that have hindered his progress. At the recent Spanish Grand Prix, Colapinto finished in 15th place, a result that left a bitter taste for both him and Alpine’s management. Criticism quickly followed, with some comments from within the team pointing to his lack of consistency on the track.
In response to this, Colapinto broke his silence with a statement that, though concise, has sparked a wave of reactions on social media. In just 10 words, the Argentine expressed his determination and confidence in turning things around, making it clear he won’t be intimidated by the criticism. This powerful message has resonated deeply with his fans, who have flooded platforms like Facebook with messages of support, turning his response into a viral topic that continues to grow.
As if that weren’t enough, Flavio Briatore, known for his direct approach and history of making tough decisions in Formula 1, has ramped up the pressure on the young driver. In a recent statement, the Italian issued a five-word ultimatum that has everyone speculating about Colapinto’s future at Alpine. Although Briatore has previously shown support for the Argentine, praising him as one of the most promising young drivers, his patience appears to be wearing thin. This ultimatum puts Colapinto in a critical position: he must deliver immediate results or risk losing his seat with the team.
The context couldn’t be more intense. Alpine is struggling in the Constructors’ Championship, languishing at the bottom after nine rounds of the season. Issues with the A525 car, which has shown deficiencies in top speed and handling in slow corners, haven’t helped the drivers shine. Despite this, Pierre Gasly, Colapinto’s teammate, managed an eighth-place finish in Spain, further highlighting the Argentine’s struggles to adapt to the car. Nevertheless, Colapinto remains undeterred. In his statements, he has emphasized teamwork and the improvements being made at the factory, displaying a mindset focused on learning and overcoming challenges.
Colapinto’s situation is not only a test of his talent but also of his mental resilience. With the pressure of a demanding team and the support of millions of Argentine fans, the driver faces a pivotal moment in his career. The upcoming races, particularly the Canadian Grand Prix, will be crucial for proving he can meet Briatore’s expectations and silence the critics. Fans are already sharing their opinions on social media, with hashtags celebrating Colapinto’s grit and urging Alpine to give him the time needed to shine.
This chapter of Formula 1 is far from over. The combination of Colapinto’s statement and Briatore’s ultimatum has created a narrative that keeps fans glued to their screens, eager to see what happens in the next race. Will the Argentine manage to turn things around and establish himself as a star at Alpine? Only time and the track will tell, but one thing is certain: this story is capturing the attention of the motorsport world and promises more thrills in the days to come.
